Laing O'Rourke loses a director by 'agreement'

Laing O'Rourke's business development director Mike Hooper has left the company "by mutual agreement". He will announce his new post within a couple of weeks.

The move follows on the heels of O'Rourke's two recent losses: commercial director Peter Stone, who was given just an hour to clear his desk, and Gus Roche, the group procurement director.

Hooper told CJ: "I'm definitely not retiring, and I'm not leaving because of any problems. I certainly would like to wish Ray O'Rourke the best of luck."

At the same time, O'Rourke is reported to be facing the loss of "the majority" of the 300 former Laing employees who work at Paramount House, Hemel Hempstead. Faced with the choice of moving to the new O'Rourke headquarters in Dartford or taking voluntary redundancy, most are reported to have opted for the latter.

Following the acquisition of Laing Construction from the John Laing Group two years ago, its three offices in Hemel Hempstead are being closed: one is already shut, Paramount House is in transit and the doors of the third will be locked in nine months' time.

Employees have to decide within the next few days. Those taking voluntary redundancy are being given two months' notice, while those staying will be based in Dartford from 31 July.

An O'Rourke spokesman said: "No comment."