Stena Line to Furlough 600 Staff and Axe 150 Jobs Across UK and Ireland
Stena Line, the Swedish ferry giant, is slashing its workforce amid the brutal impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The firm announced plans to furlough 600 employees and cut 150 jobs across the UK and Ireland as travel and freight volumes nosedive.
COVID Crisis Hits Ferry Giant Hard
Since the pandemic struck, Stena Line has seen a dramatic drop in passenger bookings and freight traffic. The company warns passenger numbers won’t bounce back until well into 2021. With revenue plummeting, tough cost-cutting moves are unavoidable to keep vital supply lines open to the UK and Ireland.
“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.”
– Ian Hampton, Director, Stena Line
Furloughs and Redundancies Across Sea and Shore
The job cuts and furloughs affect both sea-based and shore-based staff, including crews on the Irish Sea and North Sea routes. Several sailings have been reduced, and some vessels have been taken out of service as part of the cost-saving measures.
Hampton added:
“To secure the continuity of our freight operations, we have no choice but to reduce costs. We’re committed to keeping these vital supply lines open for the UK and Ireland. Unfortunately, this means furloughing employees on temporary paid leave and making redundancies during this difficult time.”
Support for Staff Amid Crisis
Everyone furloughed will receive 80% of their salary. Where government support falls short, Stena Line will cover the difference. Vulnerable employees—those self-isolating, pregnant, or with caring responsibilities—will also be protected where possible.
Consultations with trade unions start immediately, with the company preparing for a long haul as the crisis drags on.
Broader Impact Across Europe
Earlier in March, Stena Line revealed 950 more job cuts in Scandinavia, with further furloughs following. Additional job losses have hit Denmark and the Baltics. The company admits further cuts and changes to sailings or routes might still be on the horizon.
With the travel industry in turmoil, Stena Line’s grim reshuffle signals tough times ahead for ferry workers and passengers alike.
