CLYDE-based Ferguson Marine Engineering has turned to agency staff to fill a skills shortage in the sector.

In spite of its commitment to employ local workers, FME has recognised a short-term requirement to contract a number of workers through employment agencies.

The company has grown employee numbers from just eight to 250 since being rescued by Jim McColl’s Clyde Blowers Capital in 2014, but has taken the step of calling on any workers with shipbuilding experience to contact the firm.

Liam Campbell, managing director of FME, commented: “As a company, we can only survive if we can ensure that we deliver vessels on time. We will therefore contract agency staff to boost production in order that we can stay on schedule.”

Mr Campbell highlighted the fact that the company earlier this year pledged to hire 150 apprentices over the next five years.