 The firm has built up large debts |
An Edinburgh business which has provided work and training for blind and disabled people for more than 200 years is set to find out if it has a future. Edinburgh City Council will examine a rescue plan for BlindCraft, which is struggling with �2m worth of debts.
However, sales of beds, windows and other items have increased by 25% in the last year and management now insist the business has a viable future.
The council will consider the rescue plan on Tuesday.
Staff fears
Despite financial support from councils in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, general manager Bob McManus said losses had been substantial and unacceptable to everyone at the firm.
"What we are trying to do is rectify that and we think we have turned that corner," said Mr McManus.
New machinery has been brought in, the factory layout rearranged and there has been investment in new products.
About three-quarters of the staff are blind or disabled and some concern has been expressed about where they would find alternative employment.
Rescue plan
Shop steward Alex Scott has called for a review of how the business has been operating.
Mr Scott said: "There should an independent look at all the costs in the previous years in here and see what the problem has been and see what's going to happen.
"The workers are fearful for their future employment and they are going to ballot for industrial action in the future."
But councillor Kingsley Thomas, social work convener in Edinburgh, said he was hopeful a way forward could be found.
"At Tuesday's meeting the council executive will hopefully approve the rescue plan which is in place and will recognise that the factory has turned the corner and has a much better financial future."
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