Problem-hit project is already running a year behind schedule

Aberdeen

Workers on the problem-plagued Aberdeen have downed tools following a dispute with their employer.

Transport Scotland confirmed staff from subcontractor Rossmore Civils had walked off the job.

The road is being built by a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try. Carillion was a partner before it went bust.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The contractor has confirmed that AWPR Construction Joint Venture (CJV) has subcontracted with Rossmore Civils to supply plant and workers to carry out various activities on the project.

“We are aware that a small number of workers ‘downed tools’ in dispute with their employer and the CJV is holding discussions with Rossmore Civils to establish the cause and resolve the matter. 

“The CJV has also assured us that it is making all payments to Rossmore Civils in accordance with the terms and conditions of their subcontract.” 

Last month, the Scottish government confirmed the opening date of the Aberdeen bypass which bosses at Carillion blamed for helping send the firm under has been delayed again.

Transport Scotland said it had been forced to amend the opening date until the autumn – meaning it will be a year late – after Balfour Beatty last week said the 58km long road had been due to open “in the summer of 2018”.

According to the agency, the road had been due to open this spring but Transport Scotland said it had conducted urgent discussions with Aberdeen Roads Limited (ARL), the consortium building the road, “following an announcement by one of the consortium’s partners during the posting of their annual results, that they expected the completion date to be summer 2018”.

Balfour Beatty’s 2017 results confirmed that Carillion’s implosion in January had cost it £44m on the job.

And Galliford Try revealed in its results in February that it had taken a further £25m hit on the scheme on top of losses it announced on the job last year.

Both Quinn and Bill Hocking, the head of construction at Galliford Try, have said they would never have bid for the road if they had been in charge at the time the deal was inked back in December 2014.

Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try referred all inquiries to Transport Scotland.

Rossmore Civils has been contacted for comment.

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