Irish Ferries has announced it is cutting its workforce by 150. One hundred and twenty five permanent jobs are to be cut, with another 25 long-service temporary staff losing their jobs.
Irish Continental Group, which runs Irish Ferries, says the changes are part of a restructuring of the service between Ireland and France in order to reduce costs and maintain competitiveness.
Irish Ferries carried 7% fewer cars in 2004 between Ireland and France than last year.
The company says crewing on its Ireland/France service will be transferred to a third party staffing agency, which will employ fully qualified EU crew.
Irish Ferries employs a total of 1,200 people. A voluntary severance package, to meet the requisite number of seagoing staffing reductions, will be offered throughout the fleet.
Personnel from the Ireland/France service who decide not to avail of the voluntary severance package will be offered a transfer to the Irish Sea ships.
It is envisaged the proposed redundancies/transfers will be completed before the end of November when the operation of the continental service will cease for the winter months.
Services will recommence in March 2005.
