Ferry route axe to cost 300 jobs
May 28 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal
It's a blow, but it's not the end
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast, which is also responsible for managing the region’s tourism industry, said it was disappointed by DFDS’ decision – but said the closure of the route would not destroy the links between the North East and Norway.
ONE’s director of business and industry Ian Williams said: “The announcement by DFDS is a blow and we will speak with the company to learn of the extent of these jobs losses in the North East.
“We do however anticipate that the strong and growing business links between the North East and Norway will continue.
“This growing strength was seen in the recent announcement by Eastern Airways to launch its first non-stop international service from Newcastle to Stavanger. This decision was directly as a result of the strong ties between oil and gas firms in our region and Norway.
“Moving forward, business and tourism investment with Norway will remain an important marketplace for the region.”
Fishermen denied aid with fuel costs
NORTH East fishermen are facing ruin because the Government will not grant them the same reduction in fuel costs which other European leaders have already handed out.
Fishing fleets across the region have been hit by the rising cost in fuel, despite European Union rules which allow the Government to give limited state aid to reduce costs.
There are now worries the industry may have to follow the example of French and Spanish fleets which are threatening strike action to force more Government support.
Fishermen in France and Spain have already benefited from subsidies, and an EU system, referred to as ‘de minimis’ payments, could allow the British Government to offer similar support.
The Government could authorise payments of up to £23,877 over three years to hard-hit businesses, but has refused to offer the support available.
Fisheries minister Jonathan Shaw has dismissed the solution as "a short term measure which will not solve the long term problem".
Dennis Clark, a member of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations and chairman of the Cullercoats Fishermen’s Association, said: "A lot of us have just not been to sea for weeks, up to six weeks for some.
"Those that can afford to go out are having to take the cost of diesel straight out of the fishermen’s pay.
"For many people these fuel problems are something they see when they fill up the car but we can’t even do our job because of them, and yet when we met the minister we were told they will not grant any de minimis payments because it is not the right solution.
"We as an industry are being massacred, we face going out of business and yet they want to look at the long term solutions. Some of us will not be here in the long term."
Euro MEP Fiona Hall said: "Unfortunately the UK Government has failed to recognise the plight of the fishing industry in the North East, which is near to breaking point.
"I have already written to Defra criticising the unrealistic fishing quotas they have put in place which are financially squeezing smaller vessels in the North East, and I am disappointed that they seem to be taking no action to prevent further crises within the fragile industry."
Last night, a Defra spokesperson said: "We are aware of the difficulties facing many fishermen. Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw has met industry representatives to discuss the situation, and has said he will do what he can to help."
