24 Jan 2022

Stena Line to Hire 60 Workers for Irish Sea routes!

Stena Line is running its first ever recruitment campaign because of staff shortages.

The ferry company is looking for 60 employees to work on its Irish Sea routes mainly in the hospitality area.

Traditionally jobs on board ferries were highly sought after but now the biggest Irish Sea operator is trying to entice workers with a campaign entitled 'A Life Less Ordinary'.

The Swedish company points out that its employees spend 50% of their lives off work and live on board for either one or two weeks at a time.

Accommodation and meals are free while on board.

Stephen Bryden the company's head of Onboard Sales and Services said January is traditionally the time of the year when people tend to evaluate their career paths.

"Whilst we appreciate that a life at sea isn't feasible for everyone, the challenges of the last few years have shone a light on a variety of jobs and careers which have struck a chord with a lot of people."

He said the company is looking for onboard assistants and chefs.

Stena provides a total of 238 weekly sailings between Ireland and Britain including passenger and freight services from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard and Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool.

Dr Sarah Kieran lecture in Work and Employment Studies in the University of Limerick says problems in the hospitality industry result from the decimation brought by the pandemic.

She said jobs in that sector might suffer from the perception of lack of security but staff shortages are not confined to that sector.

Surveys have found that 41% of employees see their future outside their current company she pointed out and said that companies will have to look at the packages they are offering if they want to attract or retain staff.