Reports on social media that Port Talbot-based construction company Jistcourt has gone into administration have been met with deep concern by the Welsh Assembly’s Shadow Cabinet.
Shadow Minister for Business and Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George AM, said:
“If these reports are true, this is another terrible blow for the industry of South Wales.
“My thoughts are with Jistcourt’s workforce at this uncertain time, and I hope a positive conclusion can be found for the sake of staff.
“Following the collapse of Dawnus, we need to know whether JistCourt’s reported problems are connected, and if so what will be put in place by the Welsh Government to protect other businesses in the area.
“These large construction companies are reporting trouble almost out of the blue, with Dawnus contracted to build schools in Powys, and Jiscourt only in April appointed to as lead contractor on a large-scale Newtown housing development.
“The Welsh Government must do more to find out what’s going wrong for these companies so suddenly, and how others can be protected from going into administration.”
Suzy Davies, Assembly Member for South Wales West, added:
“I’ll be waiting anxiously for further details on the future of Jistcourt.
“As an important employer in my area, this is worrying news for many families at the start of summer. It’s now vital that staff are being given all the information and support they need.
“Following the recent collapse of Dawnus, I’m deeply concerned that the health of an area’s construction industry is often seen as an indicator for the financial health of the region.
“I’ll be asking Welsh Government whether they had any indication this would be happening and how they might help employees. I’ll also be asking whether this, on top of the news about Ford and Dawnus and in the recent past, Tata, means they will be looking again at my region and its priority within its economic strategy.”