Stena Line boss under fire for calling Brits ‘fat and tatooed’

The boss of Stena Line has come under fire from British unions after describing British workers as “quite fat and covered in tattoos”.

Pim de Lange, the boss of the ferry company which runs between Harwich and the Hook of Holland, was also quoted in a Dutch newspaper saying it was difficult to find British workers who were young and fit enough for the job.

De Lange later said in a statement that the comments were taken out of context and that he regrets any offence caused.

"I hugely value the contribution of our British and Dutch employees, along with our Filipino crew, and as usual we will continue to work together," he said.

"On the new Superferry we will employ more UK seafarers than on the present Stena Britannica. All our British and Dutch employees are hugely valued, as are our Filipino staff, who have an excellent reputation for hospitality services, which we and our customers value enormously."

But the British RMT union said the apology did not go far enough and is calling on the company itself to publicly distance itself from the remarks.

The RMT, which represents rail, maritime and transport workers, has been urging Stena Line to employ more Brits.

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by Bev Fearis