Ships switch protects jobs

The work is a boost for the Govan yard

A work transfer has protected up to 150 shipbuilding jobs at BAE Systems' Govan yard on the Clyde.

The construction of eight landing craft for the Ministry of Defence is to be switched to Govan from the Ailsa Troon yard in Ayrshire.

The move follows the decision by the Troon yard owners Cathelco to pull out of shipbuilding, resulting in the closure of the operation.

Cathelco announced the shutdown in August, resulting in the loss of 100 jobs.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the landing craft but farmed out work to Ailsa Troon.

Jobs are protected by the switch

A spokesman said: "After examining a number of options, it was concluded that the best way to protect the customer's interest and to ensure that the work remained in Scotland, was to transfer construction to the Govan yard.

"This arrangement will protect up to 150 jobs on the Clyde for two years.

"Whilst by no means solving the continuing shortage of work at the yard pending start-up on the recently awarded ALSL contract, it does help to mitigate the situation."

Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson said: "Of course this particular work will transfer from Ailsa Troon.

"Many would have wished to see this work remain at Troon but the decision was taken by Cathelco, the owners of Ailsa Troon, to discontinue shipbuilding on the site.

Brian Wilson: "Brighter future"

"So we have argued for the work to remain in Scotland and I am delighted that today's announcement confirms that this is to happen. I understand that it will secure some 150 jobs at Govan for two years.

"I continue to keep in close touch with Cathelco about the Ailsa Troon site.

"I hope that today's announcement can mean the start of a brighter future at Troon and allow plans for the re-development of the site to go forward with substantial employment being created for the area."

Last month, BAE Systems won a contract to build two Alternative Ships Landing Logistic (ALSL) worth £150m.

The work safeguards 800 jobs on the Govan site and another 200 elsewhere but there have been concerns about the lack of work between now and the beginning of the contract which could be in the middle of next year.