Threat of redundancy still hanging over BiFab employees

The threat of redundancy is still looming over hundreds of BiFab workers, despite a buyout by a Canadian company.

Managing director Martin Adam confirmed there would be further job losses as the company looks to fill a gap in its order book. He added, however, that the acquisition by DF Barnes after 14 months of negotiations offered stability as the firm looked to secure new contracts.

“There are going to be further redundancies because we have no order secured but obviously this is a successful outcome for us and we have aspirations of continuity of work for some of the people,” he said.

GMB Scotland secretary Gary Smith conceded there were difficult days ahead but said the long-term future is bright. “We celebrated with half a pint of lager rather than Champagne corks,” he said.

“One thing we will be pushing for is funding from the Scottish Government to retrain the workforce to ensure they have the skills they need for the future.”

BiFab was facing closure at the end of June unless new work was secured, though it was announced last month it was the preferred bidder for a demonstration project off the coast of Methil by 2-B Energy.

Labour MSP Claire Baker, who led a cross-party campaign to save the yards in Methil and Burntisland, as well as a third yard on Lewis, hailed the buyout as a positive first step but said it is important to find out what it means for workers.

“Despite all the recent uncertainty, the attitude, commitment and effort of the workers and unions at the three yards has been nothing short of exemplary,” she said.

“We now need to ensure that as much of the existing workforce as possible are able to remain in their roles whilst growing the company to ensure those who lost their jobs are offered opportunities to return.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said he was delighted the deal had been agreed but added: “My first question to the new owners is what this means for the 260 staff who were told to expect redundancy by the end of May.”

Fife Council said it would work with the new company as they seek vital orders for the future.