Thousands of workers ‘in limbo’ after redundancies

Thousands of Carillion workers are facing “chaos and confusion”, a union has warned, after 377 redundancies at the collapsed group were confirmed.

Some 919 workers at the giant construction and outsourcing firm have had their jobs protected.

But “despite best efforts” it has not been possible to save the jobs of 377 staff, a spokesman for the official receiver said.

The Unite union held “crisis meetings” for Carrillion employees at union offices across Scotland yesterday, including in Dundee.

It said the latest announcements meant “thousands of workers remain in limbo”.

The staff whose jobs have been saved are involved in infrastructure projects, central and local government, and construction contracts and are transferring to new employers who have taken on this work.

The official receiver’s spokesman said: “As part of the ongoing liquidation of the Carillion group I am pleased we have been able to safeguard the jobs of 919 employees today.

“Most staff are transferring on existing or similar terms and I will continue to facilitate this wherever possible as we work to find new providers for Carillion’s other contracts.

“Despite best efforts it has not been possible to secure the jobs of 377 staff, who will be made redundant.”

Workers who have lost their jobs will be entitled to make a claim for statutory redundancy payments and the Jobcentre Plus “rapid response service” would provide support, the spokesman said.