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REDUNDANCIES LOOM IN CHANNEL GLOOM 

A Cross-Channel ferry operator, has begun consultations with its staff in Dover and France over what was described as "fundamental changes" in the company's operation. There seems to be little expectation Hoverspeed will  resume their 15 sailings-a-day service to Calais next year.

Over 160 staff in Dover and Calais are affected and with speculation that one of the craft will be operated in the Mediterranean, staff face an uncertain future with the possibility of redundancies.

The company  is owned by Sea Containers, which as a group reported a loss of around £10million for the for the six months ended June 30.

The Dover-Calais route,  operated under the Hoverspeed brand since the late 1980s, has battled against fierce competition on the route, as well as a loss of passengers after the ending of duty differences between European states.