19k jobs at risk as Carillion future hangs in balance
CRISIS-HIT Carillion were on the brink last night with 19,500 jobs at stake.
Government Ministers had “a very close eye” on the debt-ridden giant who have major public sector contracts in Scotland and across the UK.
Sources confirmed a crunch meeting took place with officials from across Whitehall yesterday to discuss the problem.
Carillion are key suppliers to the UK Government and have contracts in the rail industry, education and NHS.
In Scotland, Carillion are involved with the new Aberdeen bypass and the Edinburgh Waverley station revamp.
The firm are trying to reach an agreement with creditors but sources said they had a “matter of days” to avoid collapse.
Administrators could be called in today unless shareholders, creditors or the Government agree to stump up the funds required to bail them out.
Tory Party chairman Brandon Lewis said: “Ministers and my colleague the Secretary of State at Business is keeping a very close eye on it.”
The Wolverhampton firm have struggled since reporting half-year losses of £1.15billion and a meeting on Friday discussed a £600million pensions deficit.
Unite Scotland’s John Clark said: “Carillion have major contracts across Scotland. What happens if the company goes bankrupt – who is going to pick up the pieces?
“Every Carillion worker is in fear for their future.”