Stena Line to furlough 600 employees and make 150 redundant in UK and the Republic of Ireland due to COVID-19
Ferry company to ensure those furloughed maintain 80% of salaries
Swedish owned ferry company Stena Line has announced that it plans to furlough 600 employees with 150 redundancies across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This urgent measure is an unavoidable response due to the on-going global COVID-19 crisis, that has had a hugely damaging effect on travel and transport across Europe.
Since the crisis emerged Stena Line has experienced a large decline in travel bookings and freight volumes. It is estimated that passenger figures will not recover until well into 2021. As a result of the significant reduction in revenue, the firm is forced to take tough decisions in order to cut costs and ensure that their vital supply lines of essential goods to the UK and Ireland are protected.
“The COVID-19 crisis has meant that Stena Line is experiencing a significant decline in passenger and freight volumes across all its 20 European routes. We are having to make some very difficult decisions, that we hoped we would never have to make.” says Ian Hampton, Director, Stena Line.
The announcement of furlough and redundancies relates to both UK and Ireland shored-based and sea-based employees, including those working on vessels on the Irish Sea and North Sea. It follows a reduction of the number of sailings on several routes; several vessels have also been taken out of service.
“In order to secure the continuity of our freight operations, we have no choice but to reduce our costs. We are committed to keep vital supply lines open for UK and Ireland. Regrettably we must furlough employees on temporary paid leave and make redundancies, as we adjust to this new reality. We will do everything in our means to ensure essential supply lines stay operational during what is a very difficult time for the company and the countries that we serve.” adds Hampton.
Everyone on furlough will receive 80% of their salaries. Where UK and Irish government schemes don’t cover the full amount, the remainder will be paid by the firm. Furlough will also be used to help vulnerable employees, such those that need to self-isolate due to underlying health conditions, those that are pregnant, and where possible, those with caring responsibilities due to COVID-19. With no end to the crisis in sight, Stena Line is planning for the long-term. Consultation on furlough and redundancies will commence today with the trade unions.
On Monday, 16 March, Stena Line announced redundancies that will affect 950 people employed in Scandinavia. A number of these employees have since also been furloughed. Further job losses have subsequently been made in Denmark and the Baltics.
The company is evaluating its operations in all regions and does not rule out that there could be further furlough, redundancy or changes to its current sailing schedules or routes.
For more information, contact:
Simon Palmer, PR and Communications Manager (Irish Sea and North Sea) at Stena Line
Tel: +353 (0) 868858789 Email: simon.palmer@stenaline.com
Or
Carl Martensson, PR & Communications Manager, Stena Line
Tel: +46 (0) 704 85 85 32 Email press@stenaline.com
Notes to Editor
UK Job Retention Scheme
In line with the UK’s Job Retention Scheme all employees placed on Furlough Leave will receive 80% of their salaries paid by the government capped at £2,500 per month. However, Stena Line have agreed to maintain all salaries at 80%.
Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
Employees in the Republic of Ireland will receive the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, which provides for up to 70% of wages to a maximum of €410 per week. Stena Line will also maintain all our Irish employees' salaries up to 80%, to ensure that our employees’ earnings are matched in both countries.
About Stena Line
Statistics on Stena Line’s Irish Sea and North Sea operations
| Employees 2,500 in UK and Ireland | 2,600,000 passengers on the Irish Sea annually |
| 326 crossings per week to and from the UK | 760,000 passengers on the North Sea annually |
| 252 crossings per week on Irish Sea | 750,000 freights units on the Irish Sea annually |
| 73 crossings per week on North Sea | 532,000 freights units on the North Sea annually |
| Owns 3 ports: Holyhead, Cairnryan and Fishguard | Holyhead is the second largest RoRo port in the UK with 550,000 freight units per annum |
| 80% of Irish exports travel through the 3 ports we own. | 17 vessels deployed permanently around the UK across all 10 routes. |
Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry companies with 36 vessels and 19 routes in Northern Europe. Stena Line is an important part of the European logistics network and develops new intermodal freight solutions by combining transport by rail, road and sea. Stena Line also plays an important role for tourism in Europe with its extensive passenger operations. The company is family-owned, was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Stena Line is part of the Stena AB Group, which has about 15 000 employees and an annual turnover of around 35 billion SEK.
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