Unite the union has welcomed the decision by Bilfinger to review a proposal to make around 100 fabric maintenance workers employed offshore on fixed term contract redundant. Following a short but intense period of discussion with Unite, the company has now reviewed their original decision to terminate the employment of these workers and instead to furlough them in line with the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme.

Unite Regional Officer, Shauna Wright, said: “We warmly welcome the decision by Bilfinger to furlough employees rather than pay them off. As a result of very constructive dialogue with Unite, the company has indicated their willingness to ensure their skilled workforce are retained and that employees and their families are not cast into penury during these very difficult times.”

“I can’t overstate the financial damage that would have been done to workers and their families had Bilfinger not reviewed their decision. I, personally, would like to commend Bilfinger for their actions in this situation and pay tribute their willingness to work constructively with Unite to find a solution that is equal to the extraordinary times which we are currently all living through.”

Sandy Bonner Bilfinger Salamis Managing Director stated that: “We have been liaising with the unions throughout this difficult period in order to minimise the impact on our workforce, and had already placed the majority of our unallocated workforce on furlough last week. Our intent is always to protect jobs where possible, and having received further clarity on the government’s furlough scheme, we are pleased to be able to extend this to others.”