Alexander Dennis extends consultation to save 400 Scottish jobs
- Alexander Dennis Limited has put approximately 400 jobs at risk at its Scottish sites as they consider moving operations to Scarborough.
- The consultation period for staff has been extended by two weeks to explore options for retaining jobs.
- The decision to extend the consultation could lead to a more favorable outcome for the workers if new orders are secured.
In Scotland, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has extended its consultation period with workers facing redundancy by two weeks, in a bid to explore alternatives to the potential loss of approximately 400 jobs at its Falkirk and Larbert factories. The original consultation was scheduled to conclude at the beginning of August but has now been moved to August 15, allowing the company more time to consider options for retention of its workforce. This decision comes amidst plans to consolidate operations in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Shona Robison, the Finance Secretary, expressed her support for the extension, noting that it signifies a proactive approach towards the employees' welfare. Robison has assured that the Scottish Government is committed to working closely with ADL, unions, and the UK Government to identify all possible solutions for supporting the affected workforce. This includes potential government backing for a furlough scheme to prevent compulsory redundancies. During a recent committee appearance, ADL's managing director, Paul Davies, indicated that maintaining operations in Scotland is contingent upon receiving a consistent order supply. Specifically, he mentioned that to stabilize the future of the Scottish manufacturing sites, the firm needs to secure orders for between 70 and 100 buses by the end of the year, and further orders totaling 300 to 400 buses for the following year. He further highlighted the essential nature of the English double-decker bus market, given its larger customer base compared to Scotland. While the manufacturing firm has emphasized that closure is not definite, they face an urgent need for sales to ensure their continued presence in Scotland. The Scottish Government is also looking to enhance short-term demand for bus manufacturing within the region and has engaged in ongoing discussions with both the company and government representatives to facilitate this. As a response to the crisis, there have been follow-up meetings through a joint working group focused on providing clarity and guidance on matters surrounding the business and its workforce. In a related development, Greenfold Systems, a supplier to ADL, announced potential job losses as well—90 positions are at risk due to the declining demand resulting from ADL's prospective site closures. This interconnected situation underscores the wider implications of ADL's decisions on the local economy and its manufacturing ecosystem in Scotland.