Jobs to be cut at marine energy test centre

EMEC have announced that jobs are to go at the Orkney based marine energy test centre as part of a restructure at the company.

In a statement, the company said that EMEC will be restructuring “to ensure that its world-leading marine energy test facilities can continue to respond to the wave and tidal industry’s changing landscape and market demands.”

Commenting on the situation, EMEC managing director Neil Kermode said: “The last year has been particularly difficult for the industry, and due to current market conditions I am going to have to restructure EMEC. Regrettably this will mean redundancies.

“We are all operating in a constrained financial landscape, and funding for research and development is tight, so it is of utmost importance that EMEC remains dynamic and can react quickly to the market as it changes. The restructure will focus on how we can continue to meet the needs of the industry.”

Mr Kermode added: “Everyone at EMEC is passionate about making marine renewables work. The company would not be where it is today without their dedication and hard work. We will have to make some very tough decisions over the coming months, and will be consulting with our staff over this period to ensure that they receive the support they need as we go through this process.

“EMEC remains committed to delivering first class services and testing facilities to aid the continued development of a profitable and sustainable marine energy industry, both in Scotland and globally.

“The restructure will not have a negative impact on the service we provide. We will ensure that EMEC retains the capacity to meet the needs of our customers, as well as the wider industry, now and in the coming months and years.”