Staff express ‘shock’ over redundancies at yacht manufacturer

Former staff members of a luxury yacht manufacturer informed the BBC that employees were visibly distressed, some to the point of tears, following their redundancy. Earlier this month, Fairline Yachts was acquired by Arrowbolt, after private equity firm Hanover Investors divested its stake. Arrowbolt specializes in electric propulsion technology and the development of zero-emission systems for the recreational boating industry. According to former employees, over 100 individuals have been made redundant at the Oundle, Northamptonshire-based company, with further job reductions anticipated. Kathryn Hodson, an engineer from Thrapston, spoke with emotion: “It’s not the first time I’ve been made redundant from Fairline, but this is the most brutal way they’ve done it so far… It’s a complete shock.” Ms Hodson, 36, further commented: “Anything we thought was happening, [Fairline] went back on. “We thought it was going to go on until March next year so you prepare yourself a little bit… but I had no idea I was going to be called today. Nobody did. “They can’t keep putting people through this.” An additional former employee, who chose to remain anonymous, remarked: “[If] they want to keep the business going, they’re getting rid of the wrong people.” Darren Hadley, a repairs engineer, stated: “I just got called up and they said ‘you’re gone’. No warning. No nothing.” The 56-year-old mentioned having been made redundant and subsequently rehired “three times” by the same company previously, but noted that on this occasion, “morale [in the building] is not very good”. The former employee further elaborated: “No work has been done [today], they’re just waiting to be called in. “Some people cried in there upset, but I’m OK. I’ll get another job and I’ll enjoy my Christmas with my grandchildren.” Fairline Yachts and Arrowbolt were contacted by the BBC for their response.