Staff react to 'shock' redundancies at yacht firm

Former employees at a luxury yacht manufacturer told the BBC how staff were reduced to tears after being made redundant.

Earlier this month, private equity firm Hanover Investors sold its stake in Fairline Yachts and the firm was purchased by Arrowbolt.

Arrowbolt makes electric propulsion technology and develops zero emission systems for the recreational boat sector.

The BBC has been told by former staff that more than 100 people have been made redundant at the firm - based in Oundle in Northamptonshire - and more jobs are expected to be cut.

Kathryn Hodson, an engineer from Thrapston, spoke through tears: "It's not the first time I've been made redundant from Fairline, but this is the most brutal way they've done it so far... It's a complete shock."

Ms Hodson, 36, added: "Anything we thought was happening, [Fairline] went back on.

"We thought it was going to go on until March next year so you prepare yourself a little bit... but I had no idea I was going to be called today. Nobody did.

"They can't keep putting people through this."

Another former employee who wanted to be anonymous said: "[If] they want to keep the business going, they're getting rid of the wrong people."

Darren Hadley, a repairs engineer said: "I just got called up and they said 'you're gone'. No warning. No nothing."

The 56-year-old said he had been made redundant and rehired "three times" in the past at the same company but said this time "morale [in the building] is not very good".

The former employee continued: "No work has been done [today], they're just waiting to be called in.

"Some people cried in there upset, but I'm OK. I'll get another job and I'll enjoy my Christmas with my grandchildren."

The BBC contacted Fairline Yachts and Arrowbolt for comment.

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