Warning over security jobs at ferry terminal as NorthLink takes service in-house

A WARNING has been made that security jobs at the NorthLink ferry terminal in Lerwick could be under threat as ferry operator Serco looks to take the service in-house.

The service is provided by Maritime Protection Solutions Ltd, which also provides services at the Aberdeen, Orkney and Scrabster terminals.

The next Northern Isles ferry contract is due to kick in at the end of June and Serco NorthLink will hold it for a second stint in a row.

But as part of the new contract NorthLink is looking to take some previously outsourced services in-house.

It is thought that there are currently seven people working for the Aberdeen-based Maritime Protection Solutions at the ferry terminal in Lerwick.

It is understood that Maritime Protection Solutions will explore whether TUPE employee transfer applies to this situation, but if it does not apply then redundancies may have to be made.

Serco’s operations director at NorthLink Ferries Captain John Strathearn confirmed the service was being taken in-house but said dialogue is continuing in line with TUPE regulations.

He said: “We have notified our third party supplier of the termination of contract of services, which is being brought in-house, and in line with Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations are following the required procedures and dialogue with the supplier.”