The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Crisis talks under way to save manufacturing firm
Ministers and Scottish Enterprise work to pull BiFab back from brink
Crisis talks to save hundreds of Fife jobs will continue this week after it emerged at the weekend that BiFab could be plunged into administration within days.
The offshore manufacturing firm employs hundreds of people in Burntisland and Methil as part of a 600-strong Scottish workforce.
The company refused to make any comment at the weekend but is expected to make an announcement today.
The Scottish Government said it is working with BiFab and Scottish Enterprise to come up with a proposal to save the company, which also employs 150 people at Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.
There was anger from the GMB trade union, which represents 440 BiFab workers and said it would be asking “hard questions” today.
GMB Scotland secretary Gary Smith said: “We’ve been told by politicians at every level that renewables are the jobs of the future.
“Our people thought they had jobs in the right part of the economy and now there is the bitter irony that they are facing a bleak future.
“It’s not good enough for the Scottish Government and UK Government to stand with their hands in their pockets and do nothing.
“There is a viable business there, both in terms of renewable work and oil and gas decommissioning.”
He said the union was informed on Thursday BiFab had cash flow problems and added: “It’s an absolute disgrace that the workers and their families are hearing that their jobs are at risk through the media.”
The union Unite said it understood a change in terms in the £100 million Beatrice windfarm project in the outer Moray Firth had caused the crisis.
BiFab won the £100m contract to manufacture 26 offshore turbine jackets for SSE-led Beatrice in June 2016 and the project is due to continue until spring next year.
Unite Scotland leader Pat Rafferty said: “Let’s not mince words here – the Scottish Government cannot stand by and watch BiFab being turned into an industrial graveyard.
“Make no mistake, Unite and its sister unions will not let that happen”
BiFab – which has been trading in its current form since 2000 – was rocked in August when long-serving managing director John Robertson died suddenly at the age of 60. The role has since been taken on by former operations director Martin Adam.
The company has faced challenges over the years due to volatility in work orders from the oil and gas sector.
In 2015 it shed around 2,300 contractors and staff when work dried up because of a downturn caused by falling oil prices.
Business minister Paul Wheelhouse said it was a “distressing time” for employees, their families and the wider communities of Burntisland, Methil and Arnish.
“The Scottish Government is already in discussions with Scottish Enterprise and the company, and we are determined to fully explore all options to save the company and the jobs that depend on it,” said the minister.
“I will meet with the trade unions as soon as possible to reassure them that the Scottish Government will do everything possible to support the workforce.
“I will also be holding urgent meetings with key agencies and doing everything I can to find a resolution to this situation.
“As always, our Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) scheme stands ready to step in if there are any redundancies.”
Lesley Laird, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, said: “The timing of this development is particularly cruel given that the Inch Cape, Neart na Gaoithe, Seagreen Alpha and Bravo projects were only this month given a final green light, thereby ensuring a massive future market on BiFab’s doorstep.
“If the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are serious about Scotland having a stake in the renewables sector they cannot stand by and do nothing. They must step in and come up with a rescue package.”
Fife Council leader David Ross said: “We’re currently hopeful that there is a viable business there and with the right kind of support through Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government and if necessary ourselves, it will be able to continue.”
They must step in and come up with a rescue package. LESLEY LAIRD MP