Scotland’s economy secretary has been challenged by Labour to stop “outsourcing” green industry jobs as yet more windfarm work goes overseas.
Last week it was announced BiFab – which operates two fabrication yards in Fife and one near Stornoway – had failed to win any of the work for the massive Seagreen development being built off the coast of Angus.
All of the platforms for its 114 turbines are being manufactured in China and the United Arab Emirates.
In a letter to economy secretary Fiona Hyslop, Labour MSP Rhoda Grant expressed concern over the decision to grant the Seagreen contract to a Chinese company at the expense of BiFab yards.
In the letter, Rhoda she said: “Our natural assets belong to us all and it is simply wrong that companies gaining these wind farm licences do not use our local companies to fulfil the construction of these wind farms.”
The GMB union has launched a national campaign to protect the future of the Arnish yard on Lewis which it says is facing closure due to the granting of the Seagreen contract overseas.
Grant commented: “With Scotland set to be engulfed by a tsunami of unemployment and the need for a just transition to a green economy more urgent than ever, it is deeply galling that these much-needed jobs have gone to the Far East and to the UAE.
“BiFab workers in Fife and on the Isle of Lewis deserve a Scottish Government that stands up for them, not for foreign businesses.
“With the letting of Scotwind Licenses there is an opportunity to end this outsourcing, which damages our economy, local communities and the environment. Neither should these new licences be let to companies who have in the past refused to engage with the skilled workforce in Scotland.
“Scottish Labour is committed to delivering a Green New Deal for Scotland that will deliver high-pay, green jobs and the vital energy, engineering, transport and housing infrastructure that Scotland needs.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “It is disappointing that SSE has not been able to award this Seagreen contract to BiFab, particularly as BiFab’s bid for this contact was competitive with all other UK and European bids.
“This is a clear demonstration of the need for UK Government led reform of the Contract for Difference funding scheme. Whilst this scheme has reduced the cost of offshore wind projects, this is now jeopardising local supply chain companies in Scotland and across the UK securing important contracts.
“Overall, the Seagreen project will still bring economic benefits to Scotland. However, this would have been a good opportunity for SSE to demonstrate its support for the Scottish supply chain and create new jobs across Scotland.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting growth within the Scottish supply chain and to bringing new projects to Scotland.”
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