WORKERS facing redundancy at a North-East shipyard will not lose their jobs to agency staff, a union has said.

A&P Tyne yesterday (Tuesday, May 5) revealed up to 58 workers could be made redundant, as bosses push ahead with plans they say will keep the company competitive in international markets.

The firm, based in Hebburn, South Tyneside, told The Northern Echo 54 roles could actually be affected, including some management positions, with the remaining number already standing vacant.

The union Unite had raised concerns the company could continue to employ agency staff while full-time workers go, but regional officer Dave Telford said it had been some assurances at a meeting today (Wednesday, May 6).

He said: “The trade unions expressed concern over the numbers of proposed redundancies and the viability of the business going forward.

“But we have received assurance all agency and temporary workers will be released before any compulsory redundancies take effect.

“We will, of course, continue to work to try and mitigate any compulsory redundancies.”

A&P Tyne specialises in ship repairs and conversion, with its Hebburn yard previously building 3,500 tonnes of components for the flight deck of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, as well as modules for the flight deck and hangar on HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Just days ago, it welcomed the Bibby Polaris vessel, which is used for offshore energy projects, to its West Quay for dry-dock work for repairs and re-painting of its hull, decks and helideck.

Its Hebburn base is supported by a sister site in Middlesbrough, which has two dry docks and oversees work on various vessels, including dredgers and tankers.

The two sites employ 203 staff.

A company spokeswoman said it was reluctant to make changes to its workforce, but was being dictated to by market demands.

She added: “The firm needs to respond to peaks and troughs.

“Ship repair work is subject to fluctuation and the restructuring will ensure staffing costs adjust to tally with fluctuating ship repair income, to secure the future viability of the yard.

“58 roles have been put forward for redundancy, but final numbers will not be reached until the end of the 30-day consultation period.”