MARINE tech giant Sunseeker is to begin recalling its employees to work, just two weeks after announcing plans to cut as many as 460 jobs.

Poole's biggest private employer, the luxury boat-builder said it was "implementing a phased return to work" starting as early as next week.

Earlier this month, Sunseeker said the financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis could see it axe a fifth of its workforce.

Sunseeker plans to axe 460 jobs following coronavirus lockdown

Today, CEO Andrea Frabetti said: “We are excited to be getting back to work.

"Our goal now is to achieve safe efficient production over the coming weeks so we can deliver boats to our customers who, understandably, are keen to get afloat this summer.

"In parallel, our new model development programme continues at a pace in order that we can offer the very latest range which is on course to double in size by 2022.

"I’d like to personally thank our clients, employees and suppliers for their patience during this enforced period of shutdown.

"We are fortunate to be able to return to work, to do what we love and deliver on the passion we all have for this industry.

"Now, more than ever, the country needs us to do what we do best which will help deliver exports and support the economy.

"As a proud UK manufacturer, we are eager to play our own small part in returning it to prosperity."

The firm will also resume full Warranty and Parts service in June.

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The firm said it would aim to "move to full production" over the next few weeks, allowing for new safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

These include one-way systems and wide thoroughfares, additional hygiene and cleaning stations and thorough 'deep cleaning' of boats at various stages during production.

A spokesman said: "Re-starting production will allow us to deliver those boats previously in build and the many on order from across the world.

"Owners are keen to take delivery of boats previously ordered so they can use this season and a catch up plan will attempt to reduce the backlog."

Even before announcing the job cuts on May 7, the company had suspended production and told suppliers they would not be paid while the factories were shut.

Most of its employees have been on the government-backed furlough scheme.

The spokesman said: "A great deal of work has been taking place to ensure the safety of employees, suppliers, visitors and finished boats.

"Working in close cooperation with all departments, Sunseeker’s in-house health and safety team has defined strict protocols, working practices and guidelines for all employees to support the very safest environment, wherever they work within the business."

At present the firm has not commented on whether it will rethink the planned redundancies.