Luxury yacht firm 'values' staff despite temporary layoffs

Sunseeker said "restrictions" in its supply chain had led it to temporarily lay off workers

Luxury yacht company Sunseeker has insisted it "deeply values" its staff after announcing a number of temporary layoffs.

The company told some employees on Friday that "cash-flow challenges" because of supply chain disruption meant they would be temporarily laid off early in 2025.

The decision sparked criticism from Unite the Union and Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, who called the move "outrageous".

Sunseeker said it was trying to "minimise" the impact on employees and would review the situation on 2 January.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sunseeker said: "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.

"This decision is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations and does 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."

When the layoffs were first revealed, Unite the Union called the decision "Scrooge-like" and "abhorrent".

Sunseeker said affected employees would 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," it said.

The company employs about 2,000 people in Dorset.

Earlier this year the company was sold to Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital for an undisclosed fee.