178 jobs cut at Cammell Laird shipbuilders

Cammell Laird shipyard and engineering firm is to cut 178 jobs from its Birkenhead workforce.

The firm made the announcement earlier today in the form of a statement which follows in full.

The statement made by Cammell Laird:

We regret to announce that today, 5th March 2021, Cammell Laird has entered into a HR1 process which will result in the removal of a 178 posts across the business. A number of the senior management team have already departed.

A full review of our business has revealed that we have an enduring downturn of workload and we are employing too many people. The business needs to modernise and develop processes, procedures, and governance, which will make the business fit for the future. Currently the business is inefficient and uncompetitive.

The new management team is absolutely committed to bringing about the essential changes that will ensure Cammell Laird is able to meet the demand of current and future customers. 

By conducting this HR1 process now, we will secure the employment of the remaining workforce.  Equally, we can support the many hundreds of jobs which exist in our supply chain.

Just as importantly, we can continue to develop our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, and offer vital opportunities to local young people and adult apprentices, helping to develop essential skills for the future.

We have now entered a 45 day period of consultation, during which we will work with our employees and our trade unions to secure the best outcome for as many of our workforce as possible. Our aim is to make as many voluntary redundancies as we can, minimising the risk of compulsory redundancy. 

We fully understand that this news will have a major impact on employees and their families that will be affected. However, we firmly believe that action taken now, will ensure that Cammell Laird is agile, sustainable, and profitable.  Equally, we will be able to deliver our current contracts and bid competitively for future work.

Main image credit: www.birkenhead2020.com