By Carole Dennett
Wightlink has confirmed that it is in consultation with the RMT Union over potential job losses, with up to 50 roles to go, although the company said that over 30 new roles could be created in the new structure.
Staff were informed of the news during an internal meeting yesterday, with a further meeting planned for tomorrow (Wednesday). Yesterday evening, RMT Regional Organiser Geoff Kite said on social media that up to 160 jobs could be affected.
The company is looking to change its business model and staff have known something was in the offing for a while. The Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project is part of the company’s five-year plan to modernise and make improvements to the business. A company spokesman said: “This project is needed to modernise and improve efficiency, so we have the right people in the right places at the right times.
However, the timing is striking: Wightlink has recently refinanced to the tune of an extra £60 million – adding to an already eye-watering pile of debt of more than £250 million. Of that, £30 million is earmarked for replacing the aging St Faith ferry. The remaining £30 million is reportedly heading straight to the pockets of shareholders. When we asked the company’s CEO Katy Taylor about the deal back in April, before it was completed, she refused to deny the reports.
IW East MP Joe Robertson said then: “It would be immoral for a ferry company to borrow millions of pounds to pay to shareholders while
regularly charging passengers over £300 for a return trip across the Solent with an ever-diminishing timetable.”
MP for IW West, Richard Quigley said: “It is early stages and I am glad that Wightlink have consulted the RMT at the earliest stage. It is extremely disappointing that any redundancies are planned.
“Despite my criticisms of fares, reliability and frequency of services, Wightlink staff are excellent and I extend my sympathy to them during this uncertain time.”
Meanwhile, hopes of a Red Funnel buyout have faltered again. Northleaf Capital Partners, the latest potential purchaser circling the company, appears to have quietly exited negotiations.
Mal Butler