Council urges effort to save Bifab jobs

Fife Council is urging the UK and Scottish governments to support efforts to save as many jobs as possible at the troubled Bifab plants in Burntisland and Methil.

Redundancy notices were issued to workers at the firm last week and talks with unions have been ongoing in a bid to save the yards.

The move came just three months after the company was pulled back from the brink of administration thanks to a Scottish Government bailout.

Council co-leader David Ross said: “We had a very productive meeting with trade unions last night and we have invited them to address a meeting of the full council on Thursday to outline the ongoing work to save Bifab.

“We are appealing to both the Scottish and UK governments to use all influence available within the offshore wind development industry and give firms like Bifab maximum opportunity to secure future work.”

Economy secretary Keith Brown said he was optimistic for new orders coming in for Bifab.

“We continue to do all that we can to help to secure the longterm commercial future of the company, including looking at potential inward investment,” he said.

“I believe that there are opportunities for the Scottish supply chain to play a leading role across a range of energy sector investments, and I believe that Bifab can play a crucial role in that market.”