Red Funnel are entering into a consultation about the future of up to fifty job losses under a structural review.
The thirty day consultation period has started with affected staff coming from both the able seamen and shore-side operations.
It is anticipated that up to 50 of these roles may be lost out of the company’s 412 permanent staff. Employees will be able to apply for voluntary redundancy.
Other staff including Officer grade staff (with the ultimate responsibility for the safety of Red Funnel’s vessels) will not be affected.
James Fulford, Red Funnel CEO, said: “Our business is actually highly seasonal. Only around one quarter of our traffic is carried in the 5 winter months but we currently retain 90 per cent of our staff all year round.
“We are a stable, well-run company but like every business in this economic climate, we have a duty to customers and staff to keep costs at a sustainable level and to drive customer service, quality and the highest safety standards.
“We are now working closely with staff and unions to undertake a review to align staffing levels more closely to the seasonal nature of our business.”
Red Funnel say that all sailings will continue normally in line with the published timetable.
