The fight to save hundreds of bus manufacturing jobs in Scotland isn’t over yet — and now workers in Falkirk and Larbert have bought themselves a bit more time. Bus maker Alexander Dennis (ADL) has confirmed it will extend its consultation period by two weeks as hopes grow for a rescue plan.
The move follows mounting pressure from unions and local leaders to give negotiators more breathing space before any final decision is made to shift all manufacturing to North Yorkshire.
A Stay of Execution — But No Guarantees Yet
For the 400 skilled workers whose jobs hang in the balance, the news brings a glimmer of hope. The consultation was due to close at the end of July, but will now run until 15 August.
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Unite the Union, which represents many of the affected staff, has been vocal in its demand for more time. Derek Thomson, Unite’s Scottish secretary, said the extra fortnight “buys more time for proposals to be brought forward which can help secure immediate and long-term orders.”
The Scarborough Plan and the Scottish Fallout
Alexander Dennis dropped a bombshell last month when it revealed plans to wind down its bus building operations in central Scotland and move the work to Scarborough.
Company bosses insist that demand and order books simply aren’t strong enough to keep the Falkirk and Larbert factories going. But the announcement blindsided workers — many of whom have been with the firm for decades.
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Union leaders argue there’s still a pathway to safeguard Scottish jobs, but it needs political will, fresh orders, and maybe a little creativity when it comes to funding.
Talks of Furlough and Government Support
Behind the scenes, talks with the Scottish government have been picking up steam. Ministers and officials met with ADL bosses in recent days to explore whether a short-term furlough scheme could buy yet more time.
A government spokesperson confirmed those discussions are active and “efforts to try to find a solution would continue.”
Meanwhile, staff at the factories are currently on a two-week annual break linked to the local Falkirk holiday. For many, it’s been far from a relaxing time off.
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Many families say they feel caught in limbo — not knowing if they’ll return to steady work or a redundancy notice when the break ends.
What Unite Wants to See Happen
Unite says it’s not giving up the fight. The union wants the Scottish and UK governments to step up and show they’re serious about a future for bus building in Scotland.
Key things on their wish list include:
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Securing immediate orders that would keep the production lines moving.
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A government-backed furlough scheme to protect jobs in the short term.
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A long-term plan to attract new business for the Falkirk and Larbert sites.
Derek Thomson summed it up bluntly: “The skilled workforce is here. The know-how is here. What’s missing is the political push and the orders.”
Workers Wait for Clarity
For now, the extra two weeks will feel like a lifeline for many. But there’s no guarantee of a happy ending.
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Alexander Dennis says its decision to centralise in Scarborough is about efficiency and survival in a tough market. But in Falkirk, where bus building has been part of the industrial fabric for generations, losing these jobs would leave a painful gap.
As the new August 15 deadline approaches, eyes will be on company bosses, government ministers, and trade union negotiators. For 400 families, the hope is that time — this time — really does equal money.
