Mayor speaks out against construction company for Teesside redundancies

A North East mayor has called for a protest against an international firm after it has made 60 workers redundant.

Balfour Beatty, which specialises in construction services, has reportedly made 60 sub-contractors from the Teesside MGT power plant redundant due to the ongoing pandemic.

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston has slammed the firm for not furloughing the workers, which would have ensured they continued to receive 80 per cent of their usual salary.

The mayor says his efforts to communicate with the firm and get answers to why the workers were not furloughed have been ignored.

He commented: “Balfour Beatty have made Teessiders redundant at exactly the worst time.

“I’m not telling them how to run their business but it seems to me and the workers that they could have been furloughed.

“This would cost nothing for this huge, cash-rich company and give the workers some peace of mind at this stressful time.

“I’m keen to support the workers so I emailed the company on Tuesday - asking why I’m getting reports of redundancies when furloughing is an option. I got no reply.

“I phoned the company yesterday - asking for them to confirm they were making redundancies and explain why this is necessary.

“They promised to come back to me but didn’t.

“Balfour Beatty’s lack of communication is appalling and they seem to be showing no interest in the people who’ve worked hard for them - taking their labour and commitment and kicking them into touch without any care.

“Until Balfour Beatty can confirm that they will furlough the workers, I urge everyone to protest about this and message your frustration to the company on social media.”