Sunseeker makes ‘temporary layoffs’ over Christmas amid cash-flow challenges
British boatbuilder Sunseeker announced a number of temporary layoffs shortly before Christmas due to “restrictions in its supply chain” during December.
On 20 December 2024, the company, based in Poole, Dorset, told some staff that “cash-flow challenges” because of supply chain disruption meant they would be temporarily laid off early in 2025, according to the BBC.
Sunseeker has insisted it “deeply values” its staff in a media statement. However, the timing of the decision caused consternation at Unite the Union, who labelled the move “abhorrent, Scrooge-like behaviour.”
Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: “Sunseeker makes multi-million-pound superyachts for the ultra-wealthy yet is treating its workers like the worst Victorian industrialists. It simply beggars belief that at it has chosen the week before Christmas to make this announcement and is simply kicking workers out the door with no notice and barely any pay.”
“This Scrooge-like behaviour is utterly unacceptable, and Unite will be doing everything in its power to not only support our members at Sunseeker but to campaign to get this devastating decision reversed. The communities in Poole and across Dorset should be left in no doubt as to what sort of employer Sunseeker are if they carry on down this course of action.”
In its statement, Unite claims that the firm is set to make up to 250 workers redundant, with a focus on those with less than two years of service.
In a statement shared with MIN on 1 January, the boatbuilder sought to emphasise that the layoffs are — for now — not permanent: “Sunseeker would like to clarify that there have been no job losses, however, due to restrictions in its supply chain which have heightened during December, Sunseeker has had to make the decision to implement temporary layoffs for a limited number of employees within production operations,” a spokesperson says.
“Although the forward order book is still strong, this decision is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations and does not reflect on employee performance or contributions. Sunseeker deeply values the hard work and dedication of the team and appreciates everything its employees do for the company.
“Sunseeker is committed to supporting staff members affected during this time. Those impacted by temporary layoffs, commencing the first few days that they would have normally returned in January, will receive statutory payment, or have been offered the option to use paid holiday entitlement. Employees will have their continuity of service preserved and will continue to receive all of their nonmonetary benefits.
“Sunseeker is also taking every possible step to minimise the impact of this situation and to restore full operations as soon as possible. The situation is confirmed to be reviewed on 2 January 2025.”
MIN requested confirmation of Unite’s figure of 250 temporary layoffs, but Sunseeker did not address this query in its response.
The firm had revenues of over £260m in its last financial accounts. Earlier this year, Sunseeker was sold to Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital for an undisclosed fee.
The news comes shortly after British boatbuilder Princess Yachts confirmed it plans to cut approximately 250 jobs at its Plymouth shipyard, citing “challenging market conditions” and a need to streamline its operations.
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