'Dark Day' For Scottish Economy As BiFab Yards ‘Effectively Close’ Following Latest Redundancies

‘Dark Day’ For Scottish Economy As BiFab Yards ‘Effectively Close’ Following Latest Redundancies

GMB Scotland has said the effective closure of the BiFab yards in Fife and Lewis is a ‘dark day’ for the Scottish economy, after further redundancies were confirmed this morning (Thursday 12 July).

From a core workforce of 400 and a further 1,000 contractors, just seven staff have been offered part-time positions to oversee the maintenance and security of the yards and assets in Arnish, Burntisland, Methil.

However, twelve senior managers from the original BiFab business will be fully retained by new owners DF Barnes / JV Driver.

GMB Scotland Organiser Alan Ritchie said: “We were promised a bright future by the new owners but the cold, hard truth is that these yards are now closed until new orders can be secured.

There is also anger and resentment that some of the people responsible for the demise of BiFab have had their futures secured, while the workers who made the sacrifices to complete the Beatrice order have been steadily shown the door.

‘Jam tomorrow’ is of no use to our members and their families. This is a dark day for Fife and Lewis, and for the Scottish economy. Whether there is any light in the weeks and months to come remains to be seen.”

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Contact: GMB Scotland Organiser Alan Ritchie on 07813 541791 or Peter Welsh, GMB Scotland communications, on 07976 447077.