A window and door manufacturing company has entered administration, resulting in the loss of over 500 jobs.
Administrators overseeing UK Windows and Doors have stated that 496 positions will be eliminated at various locations within Rhondda Cynon Taf, including Treorchy, Llwynypia, Williamstown, and Taff’s Well. Additionally, 67 jobs will be cut at sites in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
The company’s CEO attributed this unfortunate development to a decline in sales, rendering the business financially unsustainable. The Welsh government expressed deep concern about the job losses.
During a conference call, an anonymous worker was informed of the impending job cuts.
The worker said: “First someone from management came on and said they had gone into administration and were making 563 people redundant,”.
The employee has dedicated over two decades of service to the company, formerly known as Griffin Windows. According to him, last week, employees were instructed to report to work as usual but were subsequently sent home every day.
Administrators have informed the workforce that they will be receiving information via mail in the next few days and will be notified about when they should return to the workplace to collect their personal belongings.
The Welsh government has affirmed its readiness to provide assistance to those affected by potential job losses.
In a collective statement, the local Member of Parliament, Sir Chris Bryant, Member of the Senedd Buffy Williams, and the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, Andrew Morgan, expressed their shock at the news, acknowledging its impact on all those concerned.
The administrators, Teneo, have reported that the Sevenday division of the company has been successfully sold, safeguarding 91 jobs. Additionally, they have confirmed that 73 employees will be kept on during the administration proceedings.
A Teneo spokesperson said: “Recent economic uncertainty due to high consumer price inflation, rising interest costs and the associated reduction in consumer confidence has led to house builders slowing down their build programmes and retail window companies experiencing a fall in demand,”
