Sunseeker has issued a statement to clarify its position on its ‘temporary’ layoff of workers prior to Christmas 2024.
The company has confirmed that 100 temporary laid-off staff will be back at work by 27 January 2025, and it says that no permanent employee lost their job.
The statement in full:
‘Following our statement last week, we wanted to give an update on operational issues which have delayed our production schedule in December and regrettably, resulted in circa 100 of our 2150 employees being placed on a temporary lay-off on 2nd & 3rd January 2025, with the option to take this as paid holiday.
‘We are working hard to rectify the operational issues, and we can now confirm that the 100 staff will return by Monday 27th January. During the temporary lay-off period, each employee will receive 50 per cent of their normal basic hourly rate in an effort to minimise any personal difficulties during this time. We are speaking to affected employees to explain the circumstances.
‘It’s important to state that no permanent employee has lost their job. We reiterate how important all our staff, their knowledge, skills and craftsmanship are to us. We appreciate their loyalty and patience at this time.’
Last week, Sunseeker told MIN that there had been no job losses, however, due to restrictions in its supply chain which heightened during December, Sunseeker had to make the decision to implement temporary layoffs for a limited number of employees within production operations.
It said the forward order book was still strong, and that the temporary layoff decision was focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations.
At the time of the temporary layoff announcements, the Labour MP for Poole, and trade unionist, told the Bournemouth Echo that the new American and Italian owners “should be ashamed” that staff were told just days before Christmas.
Neil Duncan-Jordan said: “Sunseeker’s decision to lay off workers just days before Christmas is an unbelievable slap in the face for hundreds of local families.
“To give workers just 15 minutes to clear their tools is something we need to legislate against.
“There’s no point in arguing the company is one big happy family when you treat your staff this way. The American and Italian owners should be ashamed.”
Unite regional officer Janet Wall called the company Victorian industrialists and accused it of Scrooge-like behaviour.
Wall said: “The communities in Poole and across Dorset should be left in no doubt as to what sort of employer Sunseeker is if they carry on down this course of action.”
One employee who contacted the Bournemouth Echo says Sunseeker canceled their annual leave (booked for January), despite previously saying annual leave could be used for the temporary layoff period.
Another told the local paper: “Other than how it has been done, I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given.
“On a balance of scale for me, the opportunity outweighs this decision. Not every decision made satisfies everybody.”
Layoffs across the marine market
Early in December last year, 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.
The luxury yacht manufacturer, which currently employs about 2,700 people, was entering a period of consultation with union representatives and affected employees. At the time it said that the redundancies, representing just under 10 per cent of the workforce, will primarily impact hourly-paid roles across various operational areas.
On the same day as the Princess Yachts’ announcement, Nimbus confirmed it had completed negotiations with relevant trade unions over the closure of its plant in Kuopio – which primarily produces smaller boats. That will gradually shut down in 2025. A total of 108 employees, most of whom are blue-collar, will be laid off because of the closing. More layoffs will be confirmed at Luoto.
Nimbus Group says its sales decreased by 20 per cent during the third quarter of 2024. The business has tied up a lot of capital due to low demand, which has also had a negative impact on its cash flow.
In September, the paint and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel confirmed it was cutting around 2,000 jobs as it attempted to cut its costs and make operations more efficient.
At the time it said: “AkzoNobel has announced the next steps to reduce cost and to enhance the efficiency of its functions. This initiative is designed to simplify operations, accelerate decision-making, and streamline the company’s management structure. A key element of the plan involves a reduction of around 2,000 positions globally.”
Mercury Marine also announced temporary layoffs in 2024. Around 1,700 workers were impacted at its Fond du Lac headquarters, in the US state of Wisconsin, as the company continued experienced declining sales. That news came just a month after the boat engine manufacturer announced nearly 300 permanent layoffs in June and July, citing the “softening of consumer demand”.
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