Scotland's state-owned shipyard is to cut nearly a quarter of its total workforce while it waits for confirmation of promised new orders.
Workers at Ferguson Marine have been invited to apply for voluntary redundancy as construction draws to a close on the second of two long-delayed CalMac ferries.
The Port Glasgow firm currently employs 247 core staff, 31 agency staff and 32 apprentices – but says it expects to shed 70 posts through a voluntary redundancy process.
The Scottish government has promised to directly award the yard new orders for four smaller ships, but ministers say they are still conducting "due diligence" on the plan.
Ferguson Marine said the job losses would protect the long-term viability of the yard – but unions described the move as "a betrayal of a blameless workforce".
BBC Scotland News understands those who choose to leave the firm will receive £1,000 per completed year of service, up to £10,000, on top of their statutory entitlements.
The Ferguson shipyard faces a gap in orders despite promises of new work from the Scottish government
Ferguson Marine is the last commercial shipyard on the Clyde.
It was nationalised in 2019 after a long dispute between its former owner and government-owned ferries agency Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) over claims for extra costs for two dual-fuel CalMac ferries.
The first, MV Glen Sannox, was finally delivered in November 2024, while MV Glen Rosa is due for completion by the end of this year.
The shipyard recently completed sub-contracting work for BAE Systems for new Type 26 frigates and currently has no confirmed future orders.
Ferguson Marine CEO Graeme Thomson said the yard's immediate focus was the handover of Glen Rosa before the end of this year.
"However, as the vessel nears completion, we face an inevitable gap in workload while we work with the Scottish government to make the relevant preparations to enable us to proceed with contract negotiations," he said.
"Shipbuilding capability relies on continuity and while changes of this nature are difficult, taking proactive action now ensures we protect the long-term viability of the yard and remain lean, modern, and ready to cut steel on the new fleet as quickly as possible."
The latest intake of 10 apprentices and their parents were recently given a tour of the yard before the trainees begin their first year in college