AN opencast operator has taken the step to make workers redundant.

Hargreaves have written to staff at their sites, notifying them that they are looking for some of them, to accept voluntary redundancy.

The Durham-based firm claims it has taken the step as a result of a 'deteriorating' market but says it will still fulfill its restoration obligations.

A Hargreaves spokesperson said: “In light of the continuing deterioration in UK coal markets and the closure of many coal-fired power stations, Hargreaves has been left with little option but to seek to reduce the existing workforce. Restoration will be completed in line with our planning conditions at each location and compliance will be overseen by the local authority.

"Hargreaves will do everything it can to minimise the impact on employees through redeployment and exploring other options within the group.”

The Chronicle revealed back in February how the firm announced plans to halt work at six of its seven Scottish sites, with House of Water near New Cumnock chosen as the only remaining operational site beyond this summer.

The firm currently operate at House of Water near New Cumnock, Duncanziemere near Logan, Netherton near Skares and Glenmuckloch near Kirkconnel as well as Broken Cross in South Lanarkshire and Muir Dean and St Ninians in Fife.

Local MP, Corri Wilson, who was unaware of the latest development until contacted by the Chronicle, said: “This news is extremely disappointing, and will be a source of great concern to the Hargreaves staff. I am seeking clarity from the company on what exactly this means for the workforce in the area, and will be offering any support I can provide.”

The Chronicle understands that Hargreaves are currently reviewing the appetite for voluntary redundancy amongst the workforce and they do not have a set number of redundancies they are looking to make and there is no set time scale for the process.