Angus firm tells 250 staff to accept lower pay or face job losses

MAJOR Angus employer Baker Hughes has issued redundancy notices to 250 staff and offered new contracts on reduced terms.

Union Unite has accused the oil and gas firm of “laying waste to Scottish jobs”.

According to the union, the firm plans to cut shift and overtime rates by up to 50% through the “fire and rehire” process.

The change affects half of the 500-strong workforce.

A staff member claimed they were given five minutes’ warning before notices were issued.

They have been told they have until early next month to sign new contracts or lose their jobs.

A Baker Hughes spokesperson said it wants to reduce workers’ pay on one shift pattern and did not want to make redundancies.

The spokesperson said: “The consultation that is currently under way is... not suggesting any reduction in basic hourly pay or any reduction in any overtime rates.”

It comes a year after two rounds of job cuts in which almost 100 staff were let go.

Unite estimates the proposed changes to contracts could wipe 29% off workers’ pay, equivalent to a £10,500 drop in annual income.

The union said it is set to hold a ballot on industrial action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Oil and gas businesses like Baker Hughes are making more money than they know what to do with at the moment.

“There is no need whatsoever to lay waste to the jobs and incomes of this Scottish community.

“Baker Hughes’ callous conduct is another shameless case of runaway boardroom greed.

“We will defend these jobs and pay.”

Baker Hughes said it has won fewer subsea contracts and been hit by project deferrals.

The company said it remained committed to its Scottish sites.

“We are doing all we can to protect Scottish jobs across our sites,” a spokesperson said.

The firm said it is following legal processes to “manage this proposed change” while seeking alternatives through consultation.