Fife could lose 1,000 construction jobs within 18 months, it has been claimed.
Councillor Mike Shirkie warned workers in the south west of the region cannot be complacent as two of Europe’s largest construction projects – the Queenferry Crossing and Royal Navy aircraft carriers – draw to a close.
He sounded the warning as local councillors heard a progress report on economy, tourism and employability.
The area is highly dependent on manufacturing with 23% working in the sector – more than double the Fife average and well above the Scottish average of 7.1%
But there have been local closures which have resulted in around 1,000 job losses over the last two years, the most high profile being Longannet power station.
With the £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing due to open next May and work well under way on the second of two aircraft carriers in Rosyth, Mr Shirkie warned the same number of jobs could disappear over the coming 18 months.
He said the completion of both contracts could impact on the local economy.
“A lot of the contractors are outwith the area of Fife but there is going to be a hiatus reached where there will be a large number of local unemployment in the not too distant future,” Mr Shirkie added.
“Some already unemployed are finding it difficult to get work.
“We need to look at this as a priority because it is going to have a large impact on the area.”
George Sneddon of the council’s economic development team, highlighted positives, which included the £500 million Rosyth Waterfront development and plans to regenerate the entrance to Donibristle industrial estate with a potential £4.1m private sector development of starter units and offices.
Meanwhile, other items were included in a report updating councillors on the South West Fife area.
The report stated that annual gross earnings in Dunfermline and West Fife parliamentary constituency area were £29,694, 16% above the Fife average.
In 2015/16 three businesses were given Town Centre Business Support funding and in the last 18 months 563 businesses have taken part in employability programmes.
A new office block is well under way within the Babcock dockyard area.
Other infrastructure projects being considered include a park and ride for Rosyth and a rail chord at Charlestown.
An economic recovery action plan has been agreed following the closure of Longannet Power Station and £2.7m funding has been allocated for Fife.
Committee chairman Bobby Clelland said: “Although the area has been hit hard in recent times, there are signs of recovery which is very welcome.
“We must continue to work together to make sure the area continues to grow and thrive.”
