Company stands accused of a lack of financial transparency

BiFab has been criticised for a lack of transparency over its financial situation.

Lesley Laird, the Labour MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said: “Disappointingly, trade unions and employees had not been advised that BiFab was in financial difficulty before the firm’s announcement and, while questions need to be asked why that was the case, I now urge BiFab to engage with the trade unions going forward.

“This is obviously a very difficult time for the firm and its employees but, crucially, there is still work on the books and the focus must be on protecting the workforce, skills and delivering the orders that are still there.

“That should help give the company breathing space to work out a medium to longer term plan in conjunction with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and other key partners, including the trade unions.”

Meanwhile, SNP MSP David Torrance described the prospect of hundreds of redundancies as “devastating”.

“I have contacted workforce representatives to offer any assistance possible, and any concerned worker should feel free to contact my office,” he said.

“These jobs are the beating heart of Scotland’s green reindustrialisation – ensuring that communities across the country see our renewable potential turned into high-skilled manufacturing jobs on the ground.”

North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins, whose constituency includes Leven, said: “This is a very worrying time for all concerned and I am here to support all constituents through this very difficult time.”

Burntisland councillor Gordon Langlands said: “We’ve just got our fingers crossed it’s not going to be a bad Christmas.

“People here are very anxious.”

Trade unions and employees had not been advised that BiFab was in financial difficulty. LESLEY LAIRD