Cammell Laird's strike action and redundancy plan suspended

During the talks, facilitated by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, an agreement was reached that provides a four-week breathing space and 'paves the way for the establishment of a joint taskforce to help formulate an action plan that secures the future for the yard and its workforce'.

Members of Unite and GMB strike action last month over plans to cut around 300 jobs, which unions had described as 'unnecessary' as the company won contracts to maintain Royal Navy ships.

Laird's boss John Syvret CBE said that the industrial action risked the livelihoods of the entire workforce, many of whom were against it.

In joint statement this afternoon, Cammell Laird and the GMB said: "This agreement provides for a four-week breathing space and paves the way for the establishment of a joint taskforce by the Mayor to involve Unite and the GMB trade unions, Cammell Laird, Merseyside local authorities and central government departments alongside Cammell Laird customers.

"The agreement recognises the need for the yard to remain competitive in bidding for new and future work and all parties agree to work together to ensure this remains the case.

"All parties agree that Cammell Laird has a positive future and that short-term measures are required to address immediate problems of work flow into the yard.

"The task-force will examine every opportunity to bring forward work scheduled for later in 2019 while seeking new work orders and financial assistance for a major up-skilling programme to ensure the skills necessary to compete in a highly competitive market are available from within the local community.

"All parties commit to working constructively and positively during this period to bring about a long-term solution to the current difficulties experienced and remain committed to working together to secure a positive future for a world-class shipyard employing a highly-skilled workforce from within the local community."