Union fights to protect 650 jobs as Camelon coachbuilder announces 'restructuring'

As a result of the impact of COVID-19 has reportedly had on the business, the firm stated a formal consultation will begin in the coming weeks on the restructuring programme across all of its facilities in the UK.

Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) chief executive Colin Robertson said: “A few short months ago, we were looking at a record year of sales, reaping the benefits of all our investment in new technology, new products and new markets.

“All of this changed with the impact of COVID-19. Since March, we have been in constant dialogue with the UK and Scottish Governments to make them aware of the unprecedented crisis facing our industry.

“We are deeply grateful for the support offered by the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme, and we are heartened by the Prime Minister’s reiteration earlier this month of the pledge he made in February to bring 4000 new green buses into service.

“We continue to call upon both Governments to act now to prevent further job cuts and preserve the UK’s world-leading bus and coach manufacturing industry.”

Union Unite Scotland pledged to fight to protect the jobs at the Camelon and Larbert sites, stating the restructuring of the company was “premature”.

Willie Thomson, Unite regional officer, said: “This is a devastating blow for workers and for their families, as Alexander Dennis announces the potential for massive jobs losses across their UK sites.

“We believe these actions are premature and urge the company to continue to explore all options to protect jobs and livelihoods. We stand ready to work with them to achieve this.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the bus industry with the collapse of new orders from operators due to the crisis. There has been promises of support from both the Scottish and UK Governments.

“That support must come now. The Prime Minister promised 4000 green buses in February. Workers in Camelon and Larbert are ready to build them. We need Boris Johnson to deliver his promise.

“We also call on the Scottish Government to do more to support the world class manufacturing here. The Alexander Dennis workforce has a crucial role to play in a cleaner and greener future for both our economy and our communities.

“We will be fully engaging with the company in the coming weeks and we will do all we can to save these jobs. Each job is a worker, a family affected, and they shouldn’t be the ones to pay the price for this crisis.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council added: “ADL are a world class manufacturer and a very important employer in the local area. They are an important partner in the delivery of our Investment Zone plans to transform our area’s economy post COVID-19.

“We were naturally concerned when we heard this announcement and stress that we are keen to support them in whatever way we can. We would also want to see if any government assistance could be available and will explore every option to support them in retaining a full workforce at both Camelon and Larbert.

“The company is at the forefront of bus technology and the greening of public transport – these are essential for new economic growth in the future and it is therefore vital to work closely with the company to re-establish its path to growth.”