Port Glasgow shipyard closes, 80 lose their jobs

EIGHTY people have lost their jobs after the Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow went into receivership on Friday morning.

The yard has been in operation since 1903. Picture: Creative Commons

Employees of Ferguson Shipbuilders were first informed when they turned up for work, with many being paid off on the spot.

A skeleton staff will remain to ensure that the business still runs while receivers look to find a new buyer for the yard, which has been in operation for 101 years.

GMB trade union official Alex Logan told of the workers’ shock that they had suddenly lost their jobs.

He said: “There was no warning about this at all and it has come as a complete shock to the workforce.

“We’ve had an idea since before the summer that something was going on but have been unable to get any information from the management.

“We thought that maybe the yard was going to be sold but there was no indication it was going to close.”

Officials figures are yet to be confirmed, though it is understood to be 80 who are now jobless.

A small number of staff will remain to complete ongoing work while a new buyer is sought.