The remaining 21 are being retained on a short-term basis to help the administrators.
The Dumfries-based contractor, one of the region’s largest building companies, went into administration last week blaming difficult trading conditions made worse by the harsh winter weather. Ernst & Young is handling the process.
No immediate buyer could be found and joint administrator Andrew Davison said it could take several weeks to transfer R&D’s ongoing contracts to other contractors.
“Constructive discussions have taken place with the company’s key customer but there are a number of significant issues to be addressed before a transfer of contract can be pursued,” Mr Davison said. “This is likely to take weeks and, mindful of the uncertainty already facing staff, we believe it is both untenable and unfair to keep them in what would essentially be a limbo situation.”
Construction union Ucatt said that it would be making employment tribunal claims on behalf of their members at the company for unpaid wages and other employment issues.
Harry Frew, regional secretary for Ucatt Scotland, said: “This is a body blow for the local community, where R&D Construction was one of the major employers. It is essential that all local agencies work together to find new employment opportunities for this highly skilled and dedicated workforce.”
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