Job losses likely at Port of Liverpool

Up to 125 jobs are likely to go at the container terminal which employs around 850 staff. Following discussions with Unite the Union, owner Peel Ports is beginning redundancy consultations which are expected to take 45 days.

“This is a decision we have been wrestling with for many months and it’s the last thing anyone at the port wants to face,” said Ian Cressey, port director, Liverpool Containers Division.

“We deeply regret the impact this will have on our people, but the sustained and significant deterioration in the global container market has forced our hand.

Container volumes have dropped around 12% in the first half of this year, following a 7% decline in 2022. The declines are being attributed to a combination of factors, including weak consumer demand, inflation, rising interest rates and geopolitical turmoil.

“We’ve done everything possible to safeguard jobs despite markedly declining global container volumes over the past two years,” continued Cressey.

“However, we’ve now, very reluctantly, had to take the difficult but responsible decision to bring our operations more in line with what are some of the most challenging market conditions we’ve seen in many years. It’s extremely regrettable, but unavoidable.”

The port has said it will accept voluntary redundancies and will offer career transition advice and support, as well as help in finding new employment.