Downturn puts ferry jobs at risk

The ferries carry freight and passengers to Scandanavia

Ferry company DFDS Tor Line has warned that it may have to make more than 70 workers redundant after an "unprecedented downturn" in business.

Most of the 71 jobs at risk are at the Humber port of Immingham, but some posts may have to go at its terminals in Harwich and Newcastle.

DFDS, which operates freight services to and from Scandinavia, is consulting with the union over the planned cuts.

DFDS said: "It is a sad day for us. We have not taken the decision lightly."

UK managing director Jens Nielsen said: "Due to the unprecedented downturn in volumes, in particular in the car, steel and construction industries DFDS has no choice but to give notice to the workforce that 71 jobs will be put at redundancy risk.

"DFDS is a well managed business and we have taken this action in response to economic conditions outside of our control for the long-term welfare of the majority of the employees and the company as a whole."