More than 90% of former Carillion workers on the Aberdeen bypass have been given jobs with the two other partners in the consortium behind the major project.

When the outsourcing giant went into liquidation on January 15, it employed 63 people on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project.

Now 44 of those workers have moved to Balfour Beatty while 13 are now employed by Galliford Try.

Of the remaining six, two offers of continued employment were declined, two left to take up posts with other organisations and for the two there was no position available.

Economy secretary Keith Brown (David Cheskin/PA)
Economy secretary Keith Brown (David Cheskin/PA)

Economy Secretary Keith Brown visited the site and met former Carillion staff and a representative from the consortium Aberdeen Roads Limited.

The MSP confirmed Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try are committed to completing work and the government plans to mitigate any impacts of Carillion’s collapse on the project.

“Since January 15 when Carillion entered compulsory liquidation, my officials and I have had regular discussions with trade unions, the UK Government and other key partners regarding Carillion,” Mr Brown said.

“It was important to visit the project today and give site representatives some assurances about the next few months, as it has been a worrying time.

“It is just as important for my officials and Aberdeen Roads Limited to take the time to calculate the implications of this situation and consider what action should be taken to mitigate any knock-on consequences.

“However, this is an exciting phase of the project. There is clearly much still to do, and weather will play a part in the final opening date, but it feels like the beginning of the home run towards completion.”

He said further key dates for the project, expected to be completed in the summer, will be announced in the coming weeks.

His visit follows an announcement by Galliford Try on Wednesday of plans to raise £150 million from investors “reflecting the additional financial obligations arising from this contract”.

The firm said the liquidation of Carillion has lead to a £25 million exceptional charge.