All options must be on table to save Dawnus, say Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to do all that it can to protect jobs at Dawnus Construction, and that all options must be on the table.

The party has responded to the announcement that the Swansea-based construction company has today gone into administration.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Economy and Finance Rhun ap Iorwerth has urged Welsh Government to act quickly. Yet another devastating blow for the Welsh economy with Dawnus considered as one of Wales’ anchor companies, the Plaid Cymru AM has already written to Welsh Government to seek options for the future of the company as a going concern.

Mr Ap Iorwerth also suggested that the Development Bank for Wales could look to help save the company – possibly though a local employee or management buy-out.

Shadow Economy Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said,

“I’m very concerned to hear about the collapse of Dawnus. I am concerned for staff directly employed by Dawnus and their sub-contractors, some of whom are already telling me they are owed money.

“I will be seeking an urgent response from Welsh Government on what steps they’ll be taking to seek all options for the future of Dawnus as a going concern, what support will be given to employees and sub-contractors, and what intervention is needed relating to the continuation of current Dawnus contracts.

“As a key anchor company with many important public sector contracts, Dawnus is an important company for us in Wales, and we would expect the Welsh Government to do all that it can to protect the company and its workforce.

“The Welsh Government needs to be dynamic in this instance and needs to look at what role the Development Bank of Wales can play in saving the company, possibly through a local employee or management buy-out.”

South Wales West AM’s Dr. Dai Lloyd and Bethan Sayed have also written to the Minister for the Economy Ken Skates AM today expressing their concerns and asking for Welsh Government action.

Swansea-based Dr. Lloyd AM stated:

“Dawnus is an important local employer which is undertaking key works such as the Kingsway redevelopment in Swansea. It is terribly sad that workers have had to just down tools and walk off these sites. The Welsh Government needs to work closely with Swansea Council over the coming days and weeks to ensure that the company and its workforce can continue to deliver on these vital projects.”

Bethan Sayed AM added:

“This is terribly shocking news for those affected workers, and questions have already started to be raised in terms of what the Welsh Government knew about the state of the company’s finances. We need to understand what communication there has been between the company, Welsh Government and other authorities over recent times with regards to its financial health, and these are issues that we will be pursuing with the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. We need to find a solution to this terribly sad situation.”