127 SeaFrance jobs in Dover to be axed
Ferry Online Travel News 12/01/2012
Defunct ferry firm SeaFrance has announced the loss of 127 jobs in Dover.
The news comes after the European Commission ruled that a French Government-backed bailout of the English Channel ferry company would be illegal, which lead to a court-ordered stoppage of its operations between Calais, France and Dover as well as its eventual liquidation.
The announcement of redundancies also follows a decision by EU and French authorities that an employees cooperative would not be allowed to provide assistance to SeaFrance either.
Charlie Elphicke, Tory MP for Deal and Dover, said that the news was a serious concern for SeaFrance workers and their families in Dover and said that the heart of the entire community went out to them on such a “difficult day”.
Experts say that there are likely to be hundreds of job losses on the French side of the company’s operations as well, which should be announced soon.
In that country, protesters were seen shedding tears outside the Tribunal de Commerce after the court’s decision whilst President Nikolas Sarkozy continues to draw fire for not having taken action to rescue SeaFrance.
Meanwhile, those that still have jobs are keeping a close eye on reports that say Eurotunnel has not yet ruled out a bid for SeaFrance, although some speculate an acquisition could simply be done in the effort of scrapping the cross-channel operation.
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