Superyacht bosses have been branded ‘Scrooge-like’ by a trade union after they temporarily laid off around 250 of their employees over Christmas.
Sunseeker, a company that specialises in luxury yachts, are believed to have made between 150 and 250 workers temporarily redundant, according to trade union Unite.
Many of the staff, who have worked at the multi million pound yacht brand for less than two years, will not return to employment until January 2 or 3 next year.
Those affected by the layoffs will receive statutory payment for the ‘first few days,’ or will alternatively be offered paid holiday entitlement.
Workers from production operations in New Quay Road said they were informed of the temporary layoffs after receiving Christmas well-wishes.
One worker, who asked not to be named, claimed the statutory payment is the same as a statutory sick payment.
The Poole-based brand, whose revenues reached over £260 million as per their last financial accounts, have yet to confirm the number of staff impacted.
Unite trade union has since blasted the superyacht company dubbing their behaviour ‘Scrooge-like’ and ‘abhorrent’, whilst urging them to reconsider their decision.
Sunseeker wanted to make clear that staff had not lost their jobs, adding that temporary lay-offs were due to ‘restrictions in its supply chain which have heightened during December.’
It is believed that Sunseeker bosses will review the situation on January 2 next year.
A temporary layoff happens when an employer does not have enough work for it’s staff and thus asks some staff to stay at home.
Employers can impose temporary layoffs for six weeks in a 13-week period, or for four weeks in a row, according to GOV.UK.
Unite trade union have claimed between 150 and 250 workers, all with less than two years of service, will be affected by the temporary layoffs.
Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: ‘Sunseeker makes multi-million pound superyachts for the ultra-wealthy yet is treating its workers like the worst Victorian industrialists.
‘It simply beggars belief that 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.
‘This Scrooge-like behaviour is utterly unacceptable and Unite will be doing everything in its power to not only support our members at Sunseeker but to campaign to get this devastating decision reversed.
‘The communities in Poole and across Dorset should be left in no doubt as to what sort of employer Sunseeker are if they carry on down this course of action.’
A spokesman for Sunseeker said: ‘Although the forward order book is still strong, 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.
‘Sunseeker is committed to supporting staff members affected during this time.
‘Those impacted by temporary layoffs, commencing the first few days that they would have normally returned in January, will 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.
‘Sunseeker is also taking every possible step to minimise the impact of this situation and to restore full operations as soon as possible.’