STAFF facing redundancy following the collapse of Border Cars in Cumbria and Scotland have been left “angry and disappointed” at their treatment, says one former employee.

The man spoke out as details emerged of a move to offer support to those affected, including a series of free events north of the border.

More than 300 people worked at the car dealership, which has operated in Carlisle, Workington, and Scotland.

The former Carlisle worker, who did not want to be named, said many staff were told they were out of a job by email.

They also felt frustrated they have been given little information - but most believe they must now recover unpaid wages from the government.

“There are people who have worked for the company for 20 years - and they’ve just had the same email that everybody’s got,” said the man.

“There’s still been no notification regarding administrators. Some of us are sorted with jobs.”

Another former employee, who left Border Cars last year, has lodged an employment tribunal claim alleging disability discrimination. The firm is contesting that claim.

In an interview last week, the firm’s owner, Mike Fusco, said: “Trading has been very, very difficult over the last few years. It has been getting more and more difficult.”

He said he had apologised to staff about what had happened but the firm had acted according to the professional advice it was given.

Meanwhile, the first employment and support event takes place at the Best Western Station Hotel at 49 Lovers Walk in Dumfries tomorrow at 11am.

A second event is to be held at The Craignelder Hotel on Cairnryan Road in Stranraer on Thursday, at 11am. The final event is at Skills Development Scotland, 37 Carrick Street in Ayr on Friday, at 10am.

All three events have been organised by the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) leads on the delivery of PACE support in conjunction with a number of key partners including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Those attending will hear a presentation on the help and support available.

Juliet Campbell, regional PACE chairwoman for SDS, said: “It is still very early days for those affected by the closure of Border Cars, but we are focused on helping people access the support they need as quickly as possible.

“That’s why we’re encouraging people to attend an event to get advice on a variety of topics including job hunting, money matters and claiming benefits or accessing training and learning. It will help people assess their options and offer reassurance that support is available.”

It is expected that a number of partners involved in the delivery of PACE support will be on hand at the events, including Job Centre Plus, local authorities and training providers including local colleges.

Support is also available at any time from SDS’s network of centres, including those in Dumfries, Stranraer and Ayr.

For more information and support, call 0800 917 8000.