'No plan' to save Alexander Dennis bus firm jobs - union

Unions have described delays in drafting a plan to support workers at bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis as a "political failure".

Earlier this month it emerged the company was planning to move its full operation to a site in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

It intends to close two sites in Falkirk and Larbert and consolidate the work south of the border, which could lead to the loss of 400 jobs.

A 45-day consultation on the plan is currently under way but the unions want it extended as the plant begins its annual two-week Falkirk Fair shutdown on Friday.

On Wednesday unions gave evidence to Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee.

MSPs are examining Alexander Dennis' proposals to close its Falkirk operation and end manufacturing in nearby Larbert.

Robert Deavy, from the GMB union, and Derek Thomson, from Unite, were questioned by MSPs for just over an hour.

Mr Thomson said: "Our concern grows and grows by the day as there's no immediate plan coming forward."

Mr Deavy described the situation as "a political failure that requires a political solution".

He called for trade unions, politicians and the company to come together.

The Scottish government previously said it would leave "no stone unturned" to try to save the site, including the possibility of a time-limited furlough scheme.

Mr Thomson told the committee this could be used to try to prevent job losses.

In theory it would support staff for a few months until work on new bus orders could get under way.

He believed guidance from the Cabinet Office could make the direct award of work possible.

Mr Deavy said a furlough scheme would be a "last resort" and that the company had told them that conversations with the Scottish and UK governments on a such a proposal had been very vague.

He said the most important thing in the short term was to try to win new contracts.

The trade union official also warned that there had been no reassurance from the company that, if they won new contracts, the work would go to Falkirk and Larbert.

The unions were asked if they knew why the company had chosen to consolidate operations in Scarborough rather than Scotland.

Mr Deavy responded: "We raised that but got a frosty reception."

He noted that pay in Scotland was £1.87 an hour more than in Scarborough but the union did not want to talk about a race to the bottom.

The unions also said investment was needed in the Falkirk site although the Larbert operation was modern.

Mr Thomson said the unions would hope to have some idea of the UK and Scottish governments plans by Friday.

MSPs were also told buses built in China are around £100,000 cheaper than buses built at the Scottish factories facing closure.

Representatives of Alexander Dennis are due to give evidence to the committee on Thursday.