Sunseeker to temporarily reduce workforce due to coronavirus

British yacht builder Sunseeker International has announced that it is considering reducing its workforce, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The measures are part of an effort to avoid compulsory redundancies.

Andrea Frabetti, Sunseeker CEO, released the following statement on 20th March:

“The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting the majority of businesses in some way around the globe, including us here at Sunseeker; unprecedented without doubt.

“As a UK manufacturer it is imperative that we adapt in order to maintain our business, our skilled employees and support the UK economy long-term. Working closely with our suppliers, the business is continuing to build boats for delivery globally, albeit there are understandable challenges at this time given changes in the global economy, boat show cancellations and travel restrictions for both employees and customers.

“We regret to say that we need to consider reducing our workforce. In an effort to avoid any compulsory redundancies however, we have taken the decision to enforce two temporary measures; lay off periods and salary reductions for a period of up to two months. We are confident that these measures will help to mitigate the current and potential challenges our business will face over the coming weeks. We are now commencing a formal consultation process with our employee representatives to consider further proposals. This consultation process will last for a minimum of 45 days.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make, but we have a duty to all of our employees to take any action that ensures our business is protected in the longer term. Please be assured that full support will be provided to all employees affected throughout the consultation process.

“Our skilled tradespersons remain key to the business and will continue to support boatbuilding activities throughout this review. Investment in new model development continues whilst the business remains focussed on building and delivering yachts for customers across the globe from its existing order book, as well as driving new sales over the coming months. With the new model development programme firmly on track, the business is set to achieve strong growth in 2021 and we continue to work with clients daily in discussing their future purchases.”

Sunseeker’s temporary procedures will affect all employees. The UK builder has a workforce of 2,200.

For more information, visit Sunseeker International. Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.

Source: IBI