Nationalised Ferguson shipyard names new boss
Mr Thomson said he was "excited and enthused" to be taking up the new role which starts on 1 May. He said: "The business, and its people, have faced challenging times but as we look forward, we must focus on delivering key contracts that demonstrate our capability to exceed expectations and build world class ships on the Clyde. "This, and our commitment to build a better culture based on accountability and robust governance, will enable us to put past issues behind us, restore the reputation of Ferguson Marine and realise its potential as a leader in global shipbuilding."
The shipyard is still working to complete MV Glen Rosa, the second of two dual-fuel CalMac ferries which have caused the yard many problems since the contract was awarded 10 years ago. The ship is currently due for delivery in September, but resources were diverted last year in order to bring its sister ship Glen Sannox into service, and a further delay is widely expected. The yard has no other confirmed ship orders, but sub-contracting work from BAE Systems on units for the Navy's new Type 26 frigates is expected to start next month, according to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. The yard is also pursuing new private sector orders.
Mr Thomson has worked in shipbuilding, construction, defence and the nuclear engineering services sector for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Babcock, he worked at Lecor, Seaspan Shipyards and BAE Systems. Ferguson Marine chairman Andrew Miller said: "Graeme is a trusted and experienced leader with a sharp and intelligent business focus. "He brings to the role a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record for delivery in the shipbuilding and construction industry. "He joins us at a crucial time for our business and the board believes he will be instrumental in achieving the goals set out in our strategy and, crucially, will deliver long-term growth for Ferguson Marine."
Previous bosses
Ferguson's has been without a permanent chief executive since March last year when the firm's board of directors unexpectedly sacked David Tydeman. Mr Tydeman had won praise for overseeing substantial progress on Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa after years of design challenges and disputes over costs. But the bill for the ships also rose substantially and more deadlines were missed as complications arose.Following his departure, board member John Petticrew took on the role on an interim basis, initially for six months but this was later extended. During his time in charge, the slipway launch of Glen Rosa took place and Glen Sannox was finally delivered to owners CMAL before entering service on CalMac's Arran route in January.Mr Petticrew had been expected to remain in post until a permanent replacement was announced, but a week ago Ferguson's said he had resigned early for "personal reasons" and was returning to his family in Canada.
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There are currently 30,000 employees aged 16-17 and 280,000 employees aged 18-24 in Scotland. The report states that these workers are disproportionately likely to be on low pay as more than a third of employees (36.2%) aged 18-24 in Scotland were paid less than the real Living Wage in 2024, compared to less than 1 in 10 in all other age groups. Those aged 18-20 currently earn less than 82% of the national minimum wage, while 16–17-year-olds currently earn less than 62% of the national minimum wage. In April this year, the minimum wage for over 21s rose by 6.7% from £11.44 to £12.21. The minimum rate for apprentices and workers under 18 also went up by 18% from £6.40 to £7.55. For 18–20-year-olds the rate went up 16.2% from £8.60 to £10. The report argues that whilst this marks progress, these rates are 'clearly still short of the rates for older workers'. Asked what they would like to see change, Ms Thomson said: "I'd just like fair treatment in the work place. The equal pay mainly affects young women in our branch as well." 25-year-old Josh Morris is a healthcare worker and a former STUC Youth Committee Chair. He told of his own difficult experience of low pay and being on zero hour contracts. Mr Morris said: "It is quite precarious. In the past, I've worked 70-80 hours per week and you didn't know what shifts you are working and the pay was low. "I've had to work between three different jobs to get my wage up to something I could live on and get by on as you don't know what the next week holds," he said, "It's really difficult to plan your life." The 25-year-old worker would like to see the Labour government stick to their promise of abolishing age band rates as well as further action on improving workers' contracts. He said: "They should go by the simple principle of same rate of pay for the same work. I'd also like to see a recommitment to the abolition of zero hour contracts. I think we have seen a softening of that. "Us in the trade union movement would say any zero hour contract is exploitative so I think we are still waiting to see what the government says on this," he said. The UK Government has said it is taking steps to address issues with zero-hour contracts, specifically focusing on ending "one-sided flexibility". They are proposing measures such as guaranteeing hours for those who work regular shifts and ensuring reasonable notice for shift changes. Minister have also said the remit for the Low Pay Commission to remove age wage bands "will drive forward the Government's commitment to delivering a single adult pay band." The commission will consult with employers, trade unions and workers to "narrow the gap" between the 18–20-year-old rate of the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage and "will put forward recommendations on achieving a single adult rate in the years ahead." Recommendations are made by the LPC each October – for minimum wage rates to apply from the following April.
