Northamptonshire boatbuilder to shed 90 staff on the back of the global economic downturn
Fairline is to cut 90 jobs from its Oundle and Weldon boatbuilding facilities in Northamptonshire in response to the economic downturn.
The move will see staff numbers cut to 1360, with most of the 90 jobs being lost from the production line, it is understood.
Bosses told staff of the cuts at a meeting on Wednesday, according to the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph.
One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told the paper: “It was the Southampton Boat Show at the weekend and we were told they’d done really well and had already sold 30 boats.
“We’ve just had our new building open recently and we thought things were looking good, so we’re all incredibly shocked and upset.”
Fairline chief executive Derek Carter, said: “In response to the ongoing global economic uncertainty, we have found it necessary to take limited action to match production levels to softer global demand for our products.
“This action is regrettable, but has been taken in consultation with relevant unions and representatives and is, we believe, necessary to prepare our business for the forthcoming year.
“All indications are that 2009 will be a tough year and we hope the action taken today will ensure the Fairline business remains profitable and well-equipped to respond to the expected upsurge in early 2010.”
