Aberdeen-based ASCO Group said yesterday it was to contract out its quayside labour services at its Peterhead base.
The company said 40 employees were affected by the changes out of a total workforce in the town of 250.
The services are being taken over by Tulloch Recruitment (Aberdeen) and the changes will take effect from March 10.
ASCO said there would be no redundancies as a result of the changes, and that all existing terms and conditions of employment of the 40 workers would be honoured by Tulloch.
ASCO said the move came as it further enhanced its ability to offer flexible working practices at its quayside operation and responded to adapting customer requirements.
Walter Robertson, ASCO’s European managing director, said: “The future success of our operation in Peterhead rests on our ability to compete in a fiercely-competitive market.”
ASCO said there was a new working agreement last year, which gave flexibility by introducing new shift patterns and increased working with contractors.
However, the company added that workers’ representatives gave notice to terminate that agreement last December.
ASCO confirmed there were no plans to contract out any other operations at the base.
Mr Robertson added: “We have a great team of people at Peterhead and we need to ensure that the interest of all employees across the base are considered. The current economic climate provides us with many challenges and taking these steps helps us protect jobs in the longer term.”