Scottish government explores Alexander Dennis bus deal
Alexander Dennis extended a deadline for a consultation on the move until 15 August earlier this month.Swinney previously said he was "deeply concerned" by the cuts, but was criticised for his government's record on outsourcing bus manufacturing to China.
However he said ministers were placing the "utmost importance" in retaining "highly-skilled manufacturing" at the firm.Swinney said: "The Scottish government has committed to exploring any and all viable options throughout the consultation period to allow the firm to retain its skilled employees and manufacturing and production facilities."While I cannot provide details due to commercial sensitivity at this time, I hope this update provides the workforce and local community with further assurance that the Scottish government remains wholly committed to supporting the future of bus manufacturing in Scotland."He added: "We will undertake this work in tandem with every other short, medium and long-term opportunity we continue to explore in close collaboration with the company, Unite, GMB, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK government."
The company's managing director, Paul Davies, told MSPs last month it would need to win contracts for 70 new buses this year and 300 next year to keep operations in Falkirk and Larbert running.He said the Scarborough facility was capable of producing about 1,200 buses a year.The job losses would come as a further bitter blow to the Falkirk area, which has already seen 400 jobs cut following the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery.The Scottish government met with officials in July to discuss the possibility of a furlough scheme for affected workers.GMB and Unite have been contacted for comment.
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