The 海角视频’s largest luxury yacht maker Princess Yachts has ceased operations and sent the vast majority of its 3,000 workers home for “the foreseeable future”.
The Plymouth-based company said it will carry out a “controlled shutdown” of all five of its sites in the city.
The business, which has an order book of £0.6billion, has told most of its workers to go home immediately and that they will be classed as on “furlough”.
They will remain in the manufacturers’ payroll and will be sent further details regarding pay and conditions.
Princess Yachts had come under increasing pressure from staff and the public for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The firm’s decision to finally close came a day after Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered people to stay at home, and tightened restrictions for people wanting to leave their houses.
But there has been confusion over whether manufacturers should continue to operate or not, and organisations such as Make 海角视频 and Plymouth Manufacturers Group have sought urgent clarification from ministers.
Princess took the unilateral decision to close its operation, But some staff with roles critical to safety at the plants will remain in the factories, however, but safety measures will be in place.
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Princess Yachts has already allowed workers who can work from home to do so.
Princess Yachts stressed: “The health and safety of our employees is of paramount importance and is our main priority, along with our network, suppliers and international clientele.
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“We also take our role and responsibilities within the local community very seriously.”
A statement said: “There will be a safe and orderly ‘controlled shutdown’ of all sites, starting with immediate effect.
“In accordance with Government guidelines a significant majority of our employees will be classified as ‘furloughed’ for the foreseeable future of which the terms and conditions will be communicated to the relevant individuals in due course.
“If classified as a furloughed worker this means that the employee will be on the Princess payroll and will remain employed, rather than being laid off.
“In compliance with this scheme, employees should not undertake work while they are furloughed.
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“Princess Yachts is a vertically complex manufacturer, as such during this period, a very limited number of employees will be performing critical safety operations in order to complete a safe and isolated shutdown.
“Strict social distancing protocols will be in place and stringently adhered to during this short period. We have been in regular communication with the Works Committee and they have agreed to the actions that we are taking.”
The company added: “Since the initial remote working initiative was advised by the Government, all Princess employees able to work from home and able to perform in their roles are currently doing so.
“We champion the government's efforts in response to the covid-19 pandemic and encourage all staff to comply with Public Health England (PHE) advice to ensure we can eventually return to normal operations after these challenging times.”