Up to 250 staff have been temporarily laid off at yacht maker Sunseeker International in a move unions say is ‘Scrooge like behaviour’.
In a statement, Sunseeker says there have been no job losses however blaimed restrictions in its supply chain for the move.
“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,” said the statement from Sunseeker.
Marine Business has spoken to several suppliers and has been told payment issues are affecting supply in some cases.
However Sunseeker stresses its forward order book is still strong and the decision is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations.
And the boatbuilder says it is taking every possible step to minimise the impact of this situation and to restore full operations as soon as possible.
And it says the layoffs do 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,” the statement continued.
Sunseeker is committed to supporting staff members affected during this time.
Sunseeker International
“Sunseeker is committed to supporting staff members affected during this time.”
And the boatbuilder said those impacted by temporary layoffs 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 non-monetary benefits.
Unite union regional officer Janet Wall claimed the workers were being trated like the worst Vistorian industrialists.
“”It simply beggars belief that 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,” she said.
“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.”
In October 2024, it was announced that the boatbuilder had been acquired by Miami-based investment firm Lionheart Capital and Milan’s Orienta Capital Partners ending months of speculation.
Sunseeker had been owned by the Chinese Dalian Wanda Group since 2013.
In 2023, the boatbuilder confirmed a £40 million investment for new product development, workforce training and production enhancements.
The latest Sunseeker, the Manhattan 68, will be launched at boot Düsseldorf in January 2025.
Sunseeker was awarded the Breakthrough Launch of the Year award at the Boat Builder Awards held during Metstrade 2024 for its Ocean 156 which was praised for setting a new standard in yacht design with its expansive, customisable interiors and performance capabilities.
The boatbuilder employs around 2,200 people and produces around 130 boats a year ranging from 38-161 feet with 98% being exported.
