MORE than 1,000 jobs and Harland and Wolff’s (H&W) four shipyards have been saved by Spain’s state shipbuilder in a deal with the British government.

H&W was put into administration in September for the second time in five years, despite being a subcontractor in a £1.6 billion Royal Navy contract for new fleet support ships, plunging its Belfast yard in jeopardy, along with its Methil and Arnish sites in Scotland and Appledore in Devon.

Now Labour Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced a deal which will see the lead player in that contract, Navantia, step in to buy the yards as a “huge vote of confidence in the UK.”

He said: “It is good for jobs, it’s good for national security, and it’s good for all parts of the UK.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn hailed the deal as “great news for Belfast” and SNP deputy First Minister Kate Forbes hoped it would build a “sustainable future for the Scottish yards.”

GMB national officer Matt Roberts called it hugely positive, but warned the union remains cautious, adding: “Without a steady drum beat of work, these yards will continue to struggle.”