500 jobs lost as engineer firm folds

HUNDREDS of workers have lost their jobs after a major engineering firm was declared insolvent.WJ Harte Construction blamed a prolonged decline in the industry and a string of bad debts for its demise.

The Lanarkshire company, which employed 722 staff, has seen turnover plummet by more than £80 million in two years. More than 200 jobs are being retained to fulfil existing contracts.