A SCOTS travel firm has closed suddenly after over 20 years in business with a loss of around 20 jobs.
The Dundee-based coach company, Fisher Tours, suddenly announced its closure to staff after more than two decades in business.
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Drivers and mechanics were reportedly informed this morning that the firm will shut its doors by the end of the week, according to The Courier.
The bus company, which has long-standing contracts with local councils for school transport in the Dundee and Angus regions, has left staff and customers reeling with its abrupt decision.
One employee, speaking to the local paper, slammed the closure, saying: “This has come completely out of the blue.
“Everyone was stood on the yard completely shocked. We feel totally helpless.
“That’s more than 20 drivers and mechanics who won’t have jobs next week. How is that fair?
“There were a lot of jobs on the books, and these jobs have been cancelled for no real reason.
“Customers have been told at short notice buses were having ‘technical issues’.
“They’re having to make new arrangements with no time to do so.”
The move has sparked outrage among staff, who described the decision as “out-of-the-blue” and unfair, leaving many scrambling to find new employment.
They added: “What I do know is there are 20-plus drivers and mechanics ready to do what needs to be done, and buses that work and can do the work.
“We want to make sure the kids get to school.”
Fishers’ Tours is one of the largest private hire firms in the Tayside region offering short and long-distance travel across Scotland.
As well as public sector contracts, they arrange transport for punters for music events and football matches.
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “We have been aware of the situation and are currently looking at the details.”
A spokesperson for Angus Council said:“We are aware of difficulties being experienced by one of our school transport bus providers, which relates to routes following schools – (primary schools) Monikie, Murroes, Birkhill; (high schools) Carnoustie, Monifieth and Webster’s; and Forfar Academy.
“Firm assurances have been given to us that there will be no impact this week (Tuesday 20 May to Friday 23 May) and we are now urgently looking at alternative provision from Tuesday 27 May (Monday 26 May is an in-service day).
“We will be contacting those entitled to free home to school transport directly via the Group call system today and will update them again on Wednesday 28 May.
“This will affect all users of these school transport services, including those who access the services by either paying a fare, or via the under-22 free travel scheme. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact these people directly.
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“Our priority is to ensure the continuous provision of home to school transport and we will provide further updates as soon as they are available.
“Please monitor our dedicated school transport webpage which will detail the latest information.”
