Serco to consult staff and unions on staffing levels

Serco NorthLink are looking to reduce staffing levels by up to 36 jobs.

Stuart Garrett, managing director of Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “Today Serco began formal consultation with seafaring staff and unions on its NorthLink Ferries contract with a view to reducing staffing levels by up to 36 jobs.

“We plan to adopt flexible crewing levels allowing us to tailor staffing levels to passenger numbers.  This is a common procedure with nearly every other commercial  ferry operator in the UK.

“Safety will not be compromised; the staffing arrangements we propose continue to exceed the crew to passenger ratio required for our vessels by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

“The consultation with staff will look at all available options. We are hoping to achieve these changes without the need for compulsory redundancies.”