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Condor Ferries has warned some of its seafaring staff their jobs are at risk, amid continuing challenges caused by the corona virus pandemic which has seen it cancel Guernsey services until later this year.
Ferries between Jersey, the UK and France will start again sooner, possibly during June if the three jurisdictions each allow it.
In the meantime Condor will continue to focus its resources on freight services to the Channel Islands, which haven't stopped during the extended lockdown here or in the UK.
Pictured: The Clipper has continued its freight sailings throughout the pandemic.
"As all governments continue to advise their nationals against all but essential international travel, the company’s summer 2020 high-speed schedule has also had to be significantly reduced, compared with previous years," the ferry firm said in a statement today, also confirming the pandemic will lead to job cuts among some of its seafaring staff.
Chief Executive Paul Luxon said the firm is talking to the individuals affected to ensure they have the right help which is available to them.
"We understand this will be unwelcome news for our colleagues but this unprecedented pandemic has had a severe impact on the company. We have made this decision with a heavy heart and are working with those individuals affected to make the most appropriate arrangements for them."
It's thought other staff employed by Condor will benefit from the payroll co-funding schemes established in Guernsey, Jersey and elsewhere with the ferry firm confirming it has secured furlough support for many of them.
"However, as this assistance is not available for the company’s seafarers, unfortunately it cannot continue to employ as many crew members as in past years," Condor said in a statement.
"To manage the business through this extraordinary period, consultations will begin shortly to reduce the size of the crew on Condor’s high speed vessels."
Pictured: Paul Whitfield and Deputy Gavin St Pier are leading the civil service and political response to the covid-19 pandemic in Guernsey, which has included furlough payments for staff employed across many different industries.
Condor said the expected job cuts among seafaring staff won't impact its future services though, saying it "will be ready to increase services and return to a full passenger schedule again for Channel Islanders and visitors as soon as possible. Condor’s freight sailings, carrying essentials including food, fuel and medical supplies to the islands’ 170,000-strong population, will continue as normal."
With plans to resume passenger sailings to Jersey in June, dependent on UK, French and Jersey governments’ restrictions on borders, quarantine and general advice on essential travel being lifted, the initial plan is to run three return services between St Malo and Jersey on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with another two between the UK and Jersey on Saturdays and Mondays.
Condor said, "sailings to Guernsey will resume later in the year following a review in line with the island’s Exit from Lockdown framework.
Condor is continuing to carry any essential passengers who need to travel to the Channel Islands. They need to self isolate on arrival while France currently requires people entering the country to complete an International Travel Certificate.
Pictured: Paul Luxon.
Mr Luxon said: "We have always remained totally committed to resuming sailings once constraints on travel are lifted. We are hoping to start from the earliest date possible. I am sure there will be further developments in our services in due course."
The company is following the international guidance on the safe operation of ferry services during the pandemic issued by the shipping industry organisation Interferry.
These include measures on ships and at ports to protect customers and staff including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing and reducing onboard capacity for passengers.
See condorferries.co.uk for full details of schedules.
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