WORKERS with a major Dunfermline employer have suffered a blow with up to 25 jobs set to be lost.

TechnipFMC, which has a centre in Pitreavie Business Park, confirmed that there will be redundancies because of what they say are “ongoing economic challenges faced by the oil and gas industry”.

The news comes after the Press received an anonymous tip-off that claimed 25 employees were set to lose their jobs due to an organisational restructure.

Although they did not specify the number of staff that could be affected, TechnipFMC said they would begin consultations with employees in affected areas over a decision they said was “difficult but necessary”.

A spokesperson said: “Due to the ongoing economic challenges faced by the oil and gas industry, TechnipFMC is proposing some redundancies for its Dunfermline site.

“These redundancies are a consequence of the significantly-reduced activity levels being experienced across the wider industry, which are subsequently impacting the local workload scenario.

“As a result, the company will enter into a period of individual consultation with employees in affected areas. The consultation process will be carried out in accordance with legislative requirements. This decision is difficult but necessary in the current climate.

“With a strong presence in Dunfermline and across the UK, TechnipFMC remains committed to its current operations, relying on its remaining strong presence in the country and long-term relationships with its clients and partners.”

It is the second time in two years that jobs have been at risk at the company, which provides engineering, construction, test runs and maintenance for the energy industry.

In January 2016, the Press reported that up to 80 roles were at risk with FMC Technologies as a result of a “dramatic decline” in oil and gas prices and the knock-on effect on customers.

That was followed four months later by the news that American owned FMC had agreed a £13.7 billion merger with French rivals Technip.

The combined company, TechnipFMC, aimed to create a “global leader” in the oil and gas services industry and the deal was set to cut costs by at least £274 million a year, starting in 2019, boost earnings per share “significantly” and create “one of the strongest balance sheets in the country”.

At the time, FMC president and chief operating officer Doug Pferdehirt said: “This transaction will allow us to deliver even greater benefits to our customers through a broadened portfolio that provides a unique set of integrated technologies and competencies that are underpinned by a history of developing rich partnerships and creating customer success.”