Carnival UK has confirmed that it is making redundancies as part of an operational restructure. For employees based in Southampton and across the wider business, understanding statutory redundancy rights and consultation procedures under England and Wales employment law is an important next step.
What has been announced
- On 23 September 2026, Carnival UK confirmed it is making redundancies as part of a business restructure across its operations.
- On 25 September 2026, reports confirmed job losses affecting the company's workforce in Southampton.
- The total number of roles affected is currently unstated.
About the company
Carnival UK is a major travel and tourism company based in Southampton.
The business is the parent company behind P&O Cruises.
What happens next
Carnival UK must follow a fair redundancy consultation process with affected employees.
If the employer proposes between 20 and 99 redundancies at an establishment within a 90-day period, collective consultation must last at least 30 days before dismissals take effect.
If 100 or more redundancies are proposed within 90 days, the collective consultation period must last at least 45 days.
Individual consultation sessions should also take place to discuss alternative roles, selection criteria, and dismissal terms.
Employees with two or more years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated using age, length of service, and weekly pay up to the statutory cap.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite applications for voluntary redundancy before moving to compulsory cuts, though they are not obliged to accept every application.
Voluntary redundancy packages may include enhanced severance pay beyond statutory minimums.
If compulsory redundancies are required, the employer must apply fair and objective selection criteria to decide which roles are placed at risk.
Your settlement agreement
Carnival UK may present settlement agreements to some departing staff to formalise the terms of departure and resolve any future employment claims.
To make a settlement agreement legally binding under England and Wales law, you must receive advice from an independent legal adviser, such as a qualified solicitor.
Employers typically cover or contribute towards the employee's legal fees for obtaining independent advice on the agreement.
Common questions
How many jobs are being cut at Carnival UK?
The exact number of affected roles has not been publicly confirmed.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Employees with at least two continuous years of service with Carnival UK are entitled to statutory redundancy pay.
What are the rules regarding redundancy consultation periods?
Collective consultation must run for at least 30 days if 20 to 99 redundancies are proposed, and at least 45 days if 100 or more redundancies are proposed within a 90-day window.
Do I have to sign a settlement agreement?
No, signing a settlement agreement is voluntary. However, if you choose to sign, you must receive independent legal advice to ensure you understand the rights you are waiving.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides independent legal support to UK employees facing redundancy. We advise on consultation fairness, calculate redundancy entitlements, and review settlement agreements to ensure terms are fair before you sign.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
If your role is in London, our settlement agreement solicitors London can review the package before you sign.
Sources
- Major Southampton employer behind P&O Cruises confirms job losses - Daily Echo — Daily Echo (25 September 2026)
- Major Southampton employer behind P&O Cruises confirms job losses - Yahoo News UK — Yahoo News UK (25 September 2026)
- Carnival UK confirms redundancies as part of restructure - Travel Gossip — Travel Gossip (23 September 2026)
Last updated 25 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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