Blow as jobs lost at Port of Greenock due to reduced demand

The company confirmed there have been seven voluntary redundancies due to reduced demand at the local port, with a spokesman adding they 'regret that this move has been necessary'.

The Telegraph recently reported that Clydeport was working with staff, management, and union representatives on a restructuring exercise in a bid to address ‘challenging times’ in the logistics industry.

Union bosses had warned that any attempt by Clydeport to impose compulsory redundancies – something the company says it hopes to avoid – will be vigorously opposed.

Stuart McMillan, Greenock and Inverclyde SNP MSP, praised union Unite for securing deals for workers but he also hit out at the Peel Ports Group for its actions after banking huge sums of money in profits last year.

Stuart McMillan MSP said the job losses will 'be a worry' for other workers (Image: Stuart McMillan MSP)

Seven roles are to go at the Port of Greenock (Image: George Munro)

Mr McMillan said: "The enhanced redundancy package that Unite have managed to secure for these seven workers is welcome, but the fact still remains that Peel Ports Group made over £140m in profits last year and paid out more than that in dividends to their stakeholders.

"These payouts are a drop in the ocean and will be a worry for other workers about the security of their job."

Mr McMillan had approached Clydeport regarding concerns regarding job losses, prior to the Telegraph getting confirmation of the figures involved.

He said: "Clydeport have yet to respond to my query regarding these job losses, which also tells me a story.

"This lack of engagement doesn’t instil confidence in the business’s commitment to Inverclyde."

A spokesperson for the Peel Ports Group, said the restructure has been prompted by reduced demand at the Port of Greenock.

He said: "Like many businesses operating in the global supply chain, we continue to face the effects of a wider economic slowdown, which has led to reduced demand at the Port of Greenock.

"To ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, we have had to review our operations and make decisions to adjust to current market conditions.

“We have been working closely with employees, management, and trade union representatives to navigate through a small restructure, exploring constructive options such as the introduction of improved shift patterns that better align with current customer needs.

"Additionally, seven of our employees in the Greenock container division are taking voluntary redundancy.

"We regret that this move has been necessary and are grateful that we have been able to find a solution that works for all, in what is a very volatile container market."

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite can confirm that there have been voluntary redundancies at Peel Ports and that through this process we have negotiated an enhanced package for those wishing to leave.

"We remain in active discussions with Peel Ports to explore ways that can help boost the volume of goods coming through the port at Greenock, and that everything possible is being done to prevent any compulsory redundancies."