SHIPYARD workers’ union GMB Scotland called on the government yesterday to act over the future of the last remaining commercial Clyde shipyard following news it went bust with the loss of 70 jobs.

Workers at the Ferguson yard in Port Glasgow turned up yesterday morning only to be told the business was in administration.

A total of 70 workers were made redundant with immediate effect, while seven were asked to complete remaining contracts.

GMB Scotland’s senior organiser Jim Moohan called on First Minister Alex Salmond to engage with unions to save the yard.

“Workers with 30 to 45 years of service have been told to pick up their tools and leave the yard and that is an absolute scandal.

“Alex Salmond and the Scottish government must have known the perilous position the company was in.

“Direct intervention could save the yard and they must meet the unions for discussions.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney said the Scottish government would set up a task force with Inverclyde council to look at “securing new opportunities” for the yard.

“Over the past two-and-a-half years we have supported Ferguson Shipbuilders with contracts worth more than £20 million for two new hybrid ferries.

“We will do everything we can to promote a strong future for commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde and remain hopeful that a new owner can be found to continue the proud tradition and innovative engineering of Ferguson Shipbuilders.”

GMB offical Alex Logan said the closure had come as “a complete shock” to the workforce.

“We’ve had an idea since before the summer that something was going on but have been unable to get any information from the management.

“We thought that maybe the yard was going to be sold but there was no indication it was going to close.”

Jim Moohan, who also chairs the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU), said:

“Unless the Scottish government intervenes this puts the final key in the door of commercial shipbuilding which has a history of several hundred years in Scotland.

“Not to intervene will be an utter betrayal by the Scottish government and the First Minister, Alex Salmond.”