Ross-shire and Sutherland workers face redundancy after Roadbridge UK goes into administration
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Workers in Ross-shire and Sutherland are understood to be among hundreds across the UK who have lost their jobs as a result of the collapse of an Irish-owned construction firm.
Roadbridge UK, a subsidiary of the Limerick-based Roadbridge Ltd (RBL) construction group, ceased trading after its Irish parent company was placed in receivership.
Most of the firm's 215 UK employees have now been made redundant, including 80 in Scotland.
These include staff based at Invergordon and Lairg, as well as Dumfries, Glasgow and Carnoustie.
Roadbridge UK has worked on a number of projects in the Highlands, including Creag Riabhach Wind Farm near Lairg, and the now completed £30 million energy and cruise hub at Invergordon for Port of Cromarty Firth.
Grant Thornton UK has been appointed as administrator for Roadbridge UK with Grant Thornton Ireland performing the same role for the parent business.
Grant Thornton UK director Rob Parker said the administrators and their team will now concentrate their efforts on supporting employees through their redundancy claims process.
“It is very disappointing that efforts to save the company and other companies within the RBL group from insolvency were not successful and our efforts now turn to supporting the company’s employees during this difficult time and seeking to maximise asset realisations for the benefit of the company’s creditors," Mr Parker said.
"We are currently assessing whether it is possible to salvage some or all of the business and invite any interested parties to get in touch with the joint administrations, however operations have temporarily ceased, whilst we explore the options available.”
Following the appointment of administrators, the majority of employees have been temporarily sent home, pending further updates whilst a strategy for the administration is being reviewed.
Grant Thornton UK was unable to confirm who many staff were affected in the Highlands.
