​Charity has spent nearly 40 years helping the unemployed

Staff at a closure-threatened training charity have made an impassioned plea to keep it open.

West Fife Enterprise (WFE), based in Newmills, has spent almost four decades providing vital services for unemployed people – but it may be forced to close due to a lack of funding.

This would see employees lose their jobs and hundreds of jobless Fifers lose out on much-needed support.

It has worked with nearly 1,500 unemployed people aged between 16 and 64 over the past decade alone.

Workers have been so committed and desperate to keep it afloat that they have previously accepted cuts to wages and hours to keep the operation going.

However, the fate of the charity now hangs in the balance.

Unite union Scottish executive member Tam Kirby, speaking on behalf of staff, said employees are “astounded and dismayed” by the turn of events: “The staff were aware of funding issues and issues around cash flow, but at no staff meeting was the complete closure of West Fife Enterprise ever mentioned as an option.

“Sadly we feel it is now past the time to mount a real concerted campaign and that the timescale required to mount any successful campaign to secure funding has been missed. But the staff have not lost all hope and have faith in all the work we do.”

The charity is looking for a range of funders to come forwards – from the Scottish Government to Fife Council to independent trusts.

Meanwhile, a petition has been launched and staff are demanding meetings with local politicians.

Kirby said: “WFE does much more than just employability and getting people into work. It helps with isolation, confidence building and gives people a purpose.”

Fife Council has been asked for comment.