Contract computer assembler Fullarton Computer Industries, responsible for putting together Tiny's PCs and notebooks, will cut 250 jobs, nearly 36 per cent of its 700-strong Scottish workforce, by the end of the year.

Workers are furious because the company revealed that any growth in orders will be fulfilled by temporary staff, rather than rehired permanent workers, says Scotland's Daily Record.

Tiny this month moved its line of business-targeted machines to the assembler. The professional series, which includes PCs and notebooks, represents about 15 per cent of Tiny's business.

A spokeswoman for Tiny says the assembler's decisions will have no effect on the computer retailer as it has agreed delivery and service levels that must be met.

In August, Tiny moved its manufacturing facilities from China to Scotland, signing a five-year deal with Fullarton worth £200 million. Tiny said the move would allow it to react faster to market changes and lower its production costs.

Globally, Fullarton employs more than 4000 people and includes Compaq, IBM, HP and Xerox on its customer list.

A notice on Fullarton's site says it is a "people business ... the company has grown strong on a commitment to staff development".

Executives at the company declined to speak to The Reg. ®

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