Changes to Scope's operations at Braemar Packaging Solutions

After much careful consideration, Scope has announced the difficult decision to close its Braemar Packaging Solutions (Braemar) operations in regional New South Wales.

In making the announcement to the 42 Braemar employees, John Preston, Chief Employment Pathways Officer, said, "This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our sincere gratitude to our team who have worked at Braemar, as well as to the commercial customers who have supported us for over the past 20 years.”

“The closure comes after several years of challenges, including difficulties in attracting new commercial customers, ongoing staffing shortages, and limitations with the site’s infrastructure.

“Despite efforts to improve the site’s viability, we have reached the conclusion that it is no longer feasible to continue operating Braemar.

“We truly value our people who are the heart of Scope and know this is difficult news for them, their families, and the community.

"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our employees and will continue to honour all outstanding obligations.”

Scope’s Seven Hills and Kingsgrove operations will continue as usual, and some Braemar employees may transition to these sites if they choose.

The Braemar site operates independently of the other sites and has a very different commercial customer base to those serviced at Seven Hills and Kingsgrove.

Over the coming weeks and months, a specialist support team will work with every employee impacted to understand their individual goals, including exploring alternative employment pathways should they choose to pursue them.

In talking to the future of Australian Disability Enterprises, John said, “The disability employment sector is evolving, and Scope is well positioned to evolve with it.”

“We’re currently a large employer of people with disability through Australian Disability Enterprises in New South Wales, while also providing a pathway to open and integrated employment through a variety of support services.”

Scope’s supported employment can act as a pathway to open employment through its Disability Employment Services (DES). Scope’s DES supports people living with disability to develop their CV, build skills, prepare for interviews and find and keep jobs in an open market.

“While we have had to make this difficult decision, we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in the journey of our people and excited about the opportunity to support them in continuing to thrive in new ways,” said John.

“We deeply appreciate the community's understanding during this time and remain committed to supporting our employees and customers throughout this transition.”