But deals with French process contractor CNIM on five energy from waste projects where Clugston worked has secured jobs for 67 staff who have been transferred over to the firm.

Clugston staff working on three facilities management contracts have also been transferred to alternative suppliers, safeguarding the employment of another 15 people who worked for Clugston Services.

While there remains interest in certain other construction contracts, administrator KPMG said it was not possible to conclude negotiations, and so a further 128 employees were made redundant in addition to the 152 laid off when the administrators took control.

James Clark, joint administrator from KPMG, said: “We are very pleased to have secured employment for 82 members of the Clugston workforce through a series of deals, but equally acknowledge what a difficult time it is for those employees who have had to be made redundant.

“I’m grateful to all Clugston staff for their professionalism, and to the Insolvency Service for dealing with statutory payments promptly.”

A further 51 employees continue to assist the administrators as they negotiate additional contract sales and deal with the affairs of the companies.