Up to 650 jobs at risk at bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis

Hundreds of jobs at bus builder Alexander Dennis Limited are under threat due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The firm said it must go through a process of restructuring to cut costs – putting up to 650 jobs across the country at risk.

The Larbert-headquartered company, which also has a second plant in Falkirk alongside others across the UK, said its customers have not been making orders due to the impact of Covid-19 lockdown measures.

The firm – which is the world’s largest manufacturer of double-deckers – made use of UK Government relief schemes as well as taking steps such as cutting salaries.

Colin Robertson, ADL’s chief executive, 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.”

A formal consultation is to begin in the coming weeks on the restructuring programme.

The changes at ADL are part of a wider restructuring programme announced by parent company NFI.

It is affecting sister companies in the US and Canada, along with the consolidation of the firm’s spare parts business in North America into NFI Parts.

Unite Scotland has pledged to fight for the jobs.

In response to the announcement, Unite regional officer Willie Thomson said: “This is devastating news for workers at Falkirk and Larbert, 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.”

The union is calling on the Prime Minister to deliver his promise of 4000 green buses, and is urging the Scottish Government to support the “world class manufacturing bases” at Falkirk and Larbert.

Mr Thomson added: “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.”