Menu
17/09/2024
Harland And Wolff Placed In Administration
Harland and Wolff (H&W) is to be placed into administration for the second time in five years.
According to reports, insolvency practitioner Teneo are expected to act as administrators, with the process to be confined to the holding company, Harland and Wolff Group Holdings plc, while the operational companies running the group's four shipyards are expected to continue trading.
Between 50 and 60 "non-core" jobs are expected to be cut immediately, however, reports have stated that staff employed at H&W's four shipyards – one in Belfast, one at Appledore in England and two in Scotland at Methil and Arnish – are "not affected".
Following the announcement, the company's Executive Chairman, Russell Down, said that he believed the shipyards still had "a credible future" and it was hoped a buyer could be found for the operations collectively or separately.
Describing H&W as an "integral part of the economic and cultural fabric of Belfast", Green Party deputy leader Lesley Veronica said "it cannot be underestimated how devastating further reductions in operations will be for local workers and their families."
She continued: "This has a huge impact moving forward for the ability of the region to provide vital shipbuilding and renewable services.
"While the news that a number of companies have shown interest in the acquisition of the company there are significant concerns about what this might mean for the future of the business and for the workforce here in Northern Ireland.
"A deal should be announced towards the end of October, however it is imperative that the UK government should step in now to do all that it can to save a company which has played such a definitive role in the NI economy and symbolises so much to so many."
According to reports, insolvency practitioner Teneo are expected to act as administrators, with the process to be confined to the holding company, Harland and Wolff Group Holdings plc, while the operational companies running the group's four shipyards are expected to continue trading.
Between 50 and 60 "non-core" jobs are expected to be cut immediately, however, reports have stated that staff employed at H&W's four shipyards – one in Belfast, one at Appledore in England and two in Scotland at Methil and Arnish – are "not affected".
Following the announcement, the company's Executive Chairman, Russell Down, said that he believed the shipyards still had "a credible future" and it was hoped a buyer could be found for the operations collectively or separately.
Describing H&W as an "integral part of the economic and cultural fabric of Belfast", Green Party deputy leader Lesley Veronica said "it cannot be underestimated how devastating further reductions in operations will be for local workers and their families."
She continued: "This has a huge impact moving forward for the ability of the region to provide vital shipbuilding and renewable services.
"While the news that a number of companies have shown interest in the acquisition of the company there are significant concerns about what this might mean for the future of the business and for the workforce here in Northern Ireland.
"A deal should be announced towards the end of October, however it is imperative that the UK government should step in now to do all that it can to save a company which has played such a definitive role in the NI economy and symbolises so much to so many."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2003
Order book empty as ferry leaves H&W
When the roll-on roll-off ferry Anvil Point leaves its slips at Belfast today, it could well bring to an end the yard's 150-year history as a major ship builder. The Harland and Wolff order book is now empty following the completion of the 22,000 tonne ferry for the Andrew Weir shipping company.
Order book empty as ferry leaves H&W
When the roll-on roll-off ferry Anvil Point leaves its slips at Belfast today, it could well bring to an end the yard's 150-year history as a major ship builder. The Harland and Wolff order book is now empty following the completion of the 22,000 tonne ferry for the Andrew Weir shipping company.
07 October 2002
Harland & Wolff confirm 265 jobs set to be axed
Harland & Wolff have today confirmed media reports circulating over the weekend that jobs are to go at the east Belfast shipbuilder. The company announced that 265 redundancies will be made. It also confirmed it has entered a 90-day consultation period with unions.
Harland & Wolff confirm 265 jobs set to be axed
Harland & Wolff have today confirmed media reports circulating over the weekend that jobs are to go at the east Belfast shipbuilder. The company announced that 265 redundancies will be made. It also confirmed it has entered a 90-day consultation period with unions.
04 October 2002
Shipyard job cuts announcement likely on Monday
The outlook for over 200 workers jobs at Harland and Wolff remained bleak on Friday. Despite a meeting between East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey and trade union leaders, there was no further comment on the plight of the shipyard workers.
Shipyard job cuts announcement likely on Monday
The outlook for over 200 workers jobs at Harland and Wolff remained bleak on Friday. Despite a meeting between East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey and trade union leaders, there was no further comment on the plight of the shipyard workers.
03 October 2002
Job fears at Harland and Wolff
It has been reported today that up to half the remaining jobs at east Belfast-based shipbuilder Harland and Wolff are under threat. The company has not yet commented on the cuts but efforts by both the Government and parent company Olsen Energy have been ongoing to mount a rescue package to ensure that Harland and Wolff continues trading.
Job fears at Harland and Wolff
It has been reported today that up to half the remaining jobs at east Belfast-based shipbuilder Harland and Wolff are under threat. The company has not yet commented on the cuts but efforts by both the Government and parent company Olsen Energy have been ongoing to mount a rescue package to ensure that Harland and Wolff continues trading.
02 April 2002
Lord Mayor meets with H&W over closure fears
Lord Mayor of Belfast Jim Rodgers, accompanied by two of the city's leading citizens, have met with Harland & Wolff chiefs to assess the future of the company.
Lord Mayor meets with H&W over closure fears
Lord Mayor of Belfast Jim Rodgers, accompanied by two of the city's leading citizens, have met with Harland & Wolff chiefs to assess the future of the company.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
