Firm behind New Routemaster bus collapses into administration

The last UK-owned bus manufacturer has gone into administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

Deloitte has been appointed as administrator for Wrightbus, best known for the New Routemaster bus and one of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers. Around 1,000 workers have already been made redundant, with just 50 jobs retained at the firm, according to the BBC.

Unite, the union, called the Ballymena-based company’s collapse a "devastating blow" for both the town and the wider manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland. It said 1,300 jobs would be lost as result, with a further 3,400 in the supply chain put at risk.

Jackie Pollock, Unite regional secretary, called on the prime minister to step in, arguing: "This is a workforce at the cutting edge of technological advancements in the design and supply of green public transport. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs or skills in this area - this is now a crisis.

"If a solution based on a new buyer isn’t found immediately, the government must intervene to save jobs and skills. Boris Johnson...has the a chance today to do something decent."

Wrightbus was tasked by Johnson when he was London mayor to introduce a new green model of the city’s famous Routemaster double decker bus. They were unveiled with much fanfare in 2012 but Johnson’s replacement, Sadiq Khan, cancelled further purchases in 2016.

Faced with cash flow problems, Wrightbus has already made two rounds of redundancies this year. Talks with two suitors -Chinese firm Weichai and a group led by JCB heir Jo Bamford - broke down last week, however.

Michael Magnay, joint administrator, said: "It is bitterly disappointing for all concerned that despite extensive efforts over recent months it has not been possible to find a buyer who wanted to maintain the business as a going concern.

"We recognise the companies are crucially important employers in Ballymena, and this will be devastating news for those who worked there, their families and the town, which has already suffered from a number of manufacturing closures in recent years. We will continue to support employees through this difficult time.

"The joint administrators will explore all remaining options for the business and assets, and would encourage any parties with an interest to contact them."

Questions have also been raised about Wrightbus’ involvement with Green Pastures. The company has given the local religious charity, led by Wrightbus majority shareholder Jeff Wright, around £15m over a six year period, according to the BBC and The Guardian.