Luxury yacht company announces temporary layoffs for over 100 staff

A luxury yacht manufacturer is implementing temporary layoffs for over 100 employees, citing “cash-flow challenges,” the BBC understands. In a letter to an employee reviewed by the BBC, Sunseeker indicated that a “re-evaluation of our workforce requirements” would be necessary in early January 2025. Unite the Union denounced the action as “abhorrent” and “utterly unacceptable.” Duncan Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole, described it as “outrageous.” Sunseeker was approached for comment. In a letter dispatched to an employee on 20 December, a Sunseeker HR representative stated that “cash-flow challenges has led to considerable disruption in our supply chain.” The letter indicated that, despite efforts to mitigate these challenges, temporary layoffs would be implemented “for the early weeks of next year.” It also specified that the layoffs were focused on “ensuring the long-term viability of our operations” and did not “reflect on employee performance.” Unite regional officer Janet Wall stated: “Sunseeker makes multi-million pound superyachts for the ultra-wealthy yet is treating its workers like the worst Victorian industrialists.” She continued: “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.” Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, labeled the action “outrageous” and claimed staff had been treated “appallingly.” Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Labour MP questioned: “Can you imagine any company thinking a few days before Christmas this is a good way to treat their staff?” He further commented: “[Sunseeker] make great play of the fact that they’re a family company … at Christmas, this is not how you treat your family.” Mr. Duncan-Jordan stated that he had written to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds concerning the issue. The letter to the employee stated that Sunseeker would review the layoffs on 3 January. When the BBC attempted to make contact, Sunseeker’s automated voicemail system indicated that its offices were closed until 2 January. The company’s website states that it employs 2,000 people in Dorset. It manufactures approximately 150 boats annually, ranging in size from 38-161ft (11-49m), predominantly for the export market. The company announced in November its acquisition by Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital. Previously, it was owned by the Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.