Mark Whitehead 03 December 2018

Kier sees shares plummet by 33% after £264m rights issue

Construction giant Kier is the latest outsourcing company to raise fears after its share price bombed 33% on Friday.

It followed the announcement by the company - which lists local government among its major sectors - of plans to raise £264m to reduce its debt.

Chief executive, Haydn Mursell, said the cash injection had 'completely de-risked' the firm.

He told Building magazine that suppliers should 'look at us and see that we’re now a much stronger business. We’ve removed the shadow created by our debt position.'

The latest uncertainty follows the collapse of construction company Carillion early this year with debts of £1.5bn, leaving many local authorities to find other providers.

Last month the Government ordered outsourcing companies to draw up 'living wills' setting out how services would continue to be provided if they collapsed amid concerns over the weakness of several major firms including Capita and Interserve.

The firm’s lenders include Santander which is understood to have lost £200m on Carillion following its collapse.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - Children in Care, West Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children in Care, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,124 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Reparation and Volunteer Development Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
We are looking to recruit a Reparation and Volunteer Development Officer to join the Youth Justice Team Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Deputy Manager - Children's Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11, £40,777 - £45,091 per annum. Pay award pending.
As a Deputy Manger you will work directly with children and young people, their families and carers, as well as other relevant professionals identifie Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice Financial Management

Durham County Council
£15,434 per annum (£8.00ph) NMW
Earn.  Learn.  Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, d Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice Civil Engineer

Durham County Council
£15,434 per annum (NMW in first year of apprenticeship)
Earn.  Learn.  Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner