A historic Scottish textile firm, which supplies items to the Royal family, has announced 60 jobs are at risk at its mill in Moray.
Johnstons of Elgin, which dates back over 226 years, received a Royal Warrant this year to create high-end tweeds, knitwear and woven accessories for King Charles and family.
The textile firm first opened as a wool mill in Elgin in 1797 and has stores in Edinburgh, London, St Andrews and another mill in Hawick near the Borders.
Johnstons said a restructuring of its Elgin plant meant around 60 of its 750 workforce could be made redundant.
Johnstons of ElginA spokesperson for Johnstons said: “We now expect sales in 2024 to be lower than last year and have had also to revise downward our future projections for 2025.
“Unfortunately, this means that we will have to consult with our workforce in Elgin to restructure our team in line with current and expected future demand.”
The firm said there are no plans to reduce the workforce at their site in Hawick.
Johnstons said despite accounts as of December 2023 showing sales of £100m – up 20% on the previous year – that the market had “slowed considerably” this year.
Unite the Union confirmed it will meet with Johnstons next week and aims to “fight tooth and nail” to avoid redundancies for members.
Marc Jackson, Unite industrial officer, said: “Johnstons of Elgin has informed Unite of the potential for redundancies at the Elgin site.
“We are actively engaging with our members and in discussions with the company to minimise any impact.
“Unite has made it crystal clear to Johnstons of Elgin that we will fight tooth and nail to avoid any compulsory redundancies.
“We believe other options have to be on the table including voluntary redundancies.
“Unite will be formally meeting with Johnstons next week in order to advance these objectives in the interests of our membership.”
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