Luxury yacht firm 'temporarily laying off' workers

A luxury yacht-making company is temporarily laying off more than 100 workers because of "cash-flow challenges", the BBC understands.

In a letter to an employee seen by the BBC, Sunseeker said a "re-evaluation of our workforce requirements" would be necessary for early January 2025.

Unite the Union condemned the move as "abhorrent" and "utterly unacceptable". The Labour MP for Poole, Duncan Jordan, described it as "outrageous".

Sunseeker has been approached for comment.

In a letter sent to an employee dated 20 December, an Sunseeker HR representative said "cash-flow challenges has led to considerable disruption in our supply chain".

It said that despite efforts to mitigate the challenges, temporary layoffs would take place "for the early weeks of next year".

The letter also said the layoffs focused on "ensuring the long-term viability of our operations" and did not "reflect on employee performance".

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 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, called the move "outrageous" and said staff had been treated "appallingly."

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Labour MP said: "Can you imagine any company thinking a few days before Christmas this is a good way to treat their staff?

"[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 said he had written to the business secretary Jonathan Reynolds on the issue.

In the letter to the employee, Sunseeker said the layoffs would be reviewed on 3 January.

When contacted by the BBC, Sunseeker's automated voicemail said their offices were closed until 2 January.

According to its website, the company employs 2,000 people in Dorset.

It produces around 150 boats every year ranging in size from 38 -161ft (11- 49m), mainly for the export market.

The company announced in November it had been bought by Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital. It was previously owned by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.

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