Hope for Harland and Wolff workers
Contracts will remain intact for the time being
The administrators of Harland and Wolff shipyard have announced the continuation of a temporary unpaid lay-off of the workforce to allow further time to explore potential rescue bids.
Famed for building the Titanic, the shipyard went into administration last week after its troubled Norwegian parent company, Dolphin Drilling, failed to find a buyer.
While the workers are no longer getting paid, the lay-off means their contracts of employment remain unbroken while administrators BDO Northern Ireland continue to explore commercial offers.
A statement from BDO Northern Ireland said: "Since our appointment, there has been positive discussions with interested parties for the sale of the business as a going concern. It is hoped that these discussions may result in credible offers."
The statement from BDO continued: "In light of this, the administrators, in tandem with the unions and workforce, are intending to continue the unpaid temporary lay-off initiated on our appointment beyond today.
"The limited retained team of workers are continuing to maintain the site and assist the administrators in carrying out their duties.''
The unpaid lay-off had been due to end today (Friday)