Port of Gothenburg announces 155 redundancies

Due to the sharp downturn in import and export volumes, the Port of Gothenburg has issued redundancy notices to 155 employees. The redundancies will include dock workers, managers and white-collar staff.

"The Port of Gothenburg reflects the state of Swedish industry and we have been hit hard by the recession. Consequently, we have been forced to announce redundancies, which is something which we had hoped we could avoid as far as possible," says Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg chief executive.

The 155 redundancies will include dock workers, managers and white-collar staff. There has been an adjustment programme in place at the Port of Gothenburg since last October to improve flexibility and efficiency and at the same time reduce manning costs by the equivalent of 100 full-time employees. In the meantime volume forecasts have fallen resulting in an acute need to cut costs.

"The adjustment process that has commenced will continue but if we are to avoid substantial losses for 2009 redundancies are unfortunately necessary." says Magnus Kårestedt.

The Port of Gothenburg has 1,000 permanent employees, including 670 dock workers, 100 production supervisors and foremen and 230 white-collar staff. The Port also has a pool of 220 workers who can be brought in when required.

For further information, please contact Cecilia Carlsson, Media Relations Officer, Port of Gothenburg, tel. +46 (0)31-731 22 45.