THE Press understands that around 60 jobs are to be lost at TechnipFMC in Dunfermline.

The oil and gas company has started a consultation with its workforce at Pitreavie Business Park.

A spokesperson for TechnipFMC said: "Our industry continues to face challenging times due to the unprecedented market situation. 

"Consequently TechnipFMC is taking decisive actions to adapt to this new context.

"As a result FMC Technologies Ltd is proposing redundancies for its Research, Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain (REMS) business based in Dunfermline and will enter into a period of collective consultation with its workforce. Other UK business units are not impacted by this decision.

"This consultation process will be carried out in accordance with legislative requirements and is subject to consultation with employee representatives before any final decision is taken.

"Any decisions will be taken with the utmost sensitivity in terms of how they impact our employees, customers and communities. The company does not intend to communicate further on these actions.

"With a strong presence in Dunfermline, and in other locations across the UK, TechnipFMC remains committed to its current operations and to playing a part in the long-term future of the UK oil and gas sector."

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman has described the news as a "hammer blow" to workers.

He commented: "This is a hammer blow to the skilled workforce at TechnipFMC and highlights the great difficulties a lot of businesses are facing at the moment due to the current pandemic.

“The oil and gas industry has seen one of the biggest downturns in output as a result of COVID-19 and while oil prices are sitting around $41/barrel there is not a huge amount of investment going on.

 “This is another demonstration of why we need to see a comprehensive range of support packages from the UK Tory administration in London.

"They hold the purse strings and that’s why the Prime Minister’s damp squib speech on Tuesday was such a disappointment, not only for businesses in the oil and gas sector, it needs to ensure all businesses can continue to trade and secure jobs until the economy picks up again.”