MORE than 40 people have been made redundant with no final pay cheque just days before Christmas.

Liquidators told staff the news at Walker Macleod, a fabrication firm based in Yoker, at 2pm on Thursday with just five minutes notice.

Many of the 46 workers have been at the company for decades and have been left devastated by the news and the lack of pay.

And there was particular criticism for boss Alan Walker, 55, who left it to the liquidators to inform staff.

Fiona Lawlor, one of the office staff at Walker Macleod, told the Post: "Alan Walker didn't have the courage to tell us all. We were told at 1.55pm there was a meeting at 2pm.

"We knew it was bad but we didn't think it would be that bad.

"We have been loyal to him. I'm coming up for 12 years and I never had a day off work.

"Everyone was gobsmacked. I've worked a month for nothing.

"The guys were saying, 'That's our money' and 'he has no right to do that'."

Ms Lawlor, 47, said some staff had been made redundant a few months ago but they got assistance to help the transition. There was no support at all after the company was wound up yesterday, with immediate effect.

She said they had worked hard this week in particular to get canopies ready to ship to Aggreko, their main client, and had future orders booked for 2019.

Ms Lawlor added: "Aggreko were pushing on the phone needing their canopies. They were sitting on the lorry ready to go. The liquidators stopped everything.

"This is only my third ever job - I've never been out of a job, never been redundant. This is just crazy. I don't know what will happen in the future."

The Post understands the firm, set up in 1981, was nearly sold until a buyer pulled out earlier this week. The liquidators said there was still an opportunity to take over the business.

The firm's website boasts clients such as BAE systems, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, Aggreko, Howden, Kingsmill and others.

There was no answer at the firm's Bulldale Street office on Friday morning.

Stuart Robb, of Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery Limited, has been appointed provisional liquidator.

He said: “Having assessed the financial position, we have taken the difficult decision to cease trading with immediate effect.

"Our efforts will now be focussed on providing the affected employees with the appropriate support whilst seeking to maximise realisations for the benefit of the company’s creditors.

“There remains an opportunity to acquire the Company’s assets and we would encourage any interested parties to contact Jenna Cooper by email, as a matter of urgency, at jenna.cooper@leonardcurtis.co.uk with a note of their interest.”

MSP Bill Kidd has slammed Walker Macleod for their treatment of employees.

The Glasgow Anniesland politician, who represents Yoker, said he raised the issue with the Scottish Government, while Councillor Chris Cunningham said he would speak to council officials.

Mr Kidd said: “I am grateful to the Clydebank Post for bringing this situation to my attention and I have immediately contacted Jamie Hepburn MSP, the minister for business and fair work who has alerted his officials to look into this matter with urgency.

“This is a disgraceful display by the company, and the workers have been very badly let down in the manner with which the management have treated them. 

“At any time this would be a heavy blow, but in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year it’s nothing short of atrocious treatment.”

Walker Macleod had a 10,000 square metre manufacturing facility and boasted of the “high levels of repeat business” they enjoyed.