Carillion workers transferred to other contractors, fate of 18,500 undecided

Almost 380 Carillion workers have lost their jobs this week but more than 900 jobs have been saved, the Official Receiver said after taking control of the collapsed outsourcing group last month.

The Official Receiver said 919 employees working on “infrastructure, central and local government, and construction contracts” were being transferred to other companies that have taken on the contracts, but 377 staff were made redundant.

Carillion, which still had close to 20,000 workers on its books when it forced into compulsory insolvency on 15 January, was in joint ventures with companies including Kier, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, Eiffage and Morgan Sindall.

Continued support was being provided by Carillion’s public and private sector customers, the Official Receiver said, which was enabling many employees to be retained in the interim until all contracts have been worked through.

A spokesperson for the Official Receiver said on Friday that many employees working on other Carillion contracts were expected to transfer in the coming weeks and that the remaining 18,500-plus employees would continue to be updated as these are arrangements are finalised.

“As part of the ongoing liquidation of the Carillion group I am pleased we have been able to safeguard the jobs of 919 employees today," the spokesperson said.

"Most staff are transferring on existing or similar terms and I will continue to facilitate this wherever possible as we work to find new providers for Carillion’s other contracts.

“Despite best efforts it has not been possible to secure the jobs of 377 staff, who will be made redundant. Those affected will be entitled to make a claim for statutory redundancy payments. The Jobcentre Plus’ Rapid Response Service stands ready to support any of these employees by providing advice and information so people can move into a new job as quickly as possible."

“I recognise that this will be a worrying time for all those affected, their families and local communities. I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism throughout the liquidation.

“I am expecting many employees working on other Carillion contracts to transfer in the coming weeks and we are continuing to keep the workforce updated as these are arrangements are finalised.”