A minister has condemned P&O's decision to fire 800 staff with no notice as “wholly unacceptable”. Opening a statement on the matter, transport minister Robert Courts told the Commons: “These are hardworking, dedicated staff who have given years in service to P&O."
He added: "The way they have been treated today is wholly unacceptable and my thoughts are first and foremost with them. We will continue to look across Government and speak to colleagues and uphold the rights that are clear in law to protect workers."
The ferry operator, bought by Dubai-based logistics giant DP World in 2019, insisted the decision to cut jobs was “very difficult but necessary” as it was “not a viable business” in its current state. They will be replaced with agency workers.
Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said P&O's conduct was "shabby, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable". Mr Courts said he agreed it was "unacceptable" and he would meet with MPs to discuss the impact on workers and what the Government may be able to do.
In a statement to MPs, the minister added: “Reports of workers being given zero notice and escorted off their ships with immediate effect while being told cheaper alternatives would take up their roles shows the insensitive way in which P&O have approached this issue, a point I have made crystal clear to P&O’s management when I spoke to them earlier this afternoon.”
Mr Courts said he was "extremely concerned and frankly angry at the way workers have been treated by P&O." Staff had been “signposted” to support from the Department of Work and Pensions, he said.
A spokesperson for P&O Ferries earlier said the company was currently not a “viable business” and 800 seafarers had been handed immediate severance notices with compensation packages for the “lack of advance notice”. The firm said: “P&O Ferries plays a critical role in keeping trade flowing, supply chains moving, and connecting families and friends across the North and Irish seas and the English Channel.
"We have been at the heart of this service for years and we are committed to serving these vital routes. However, in its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business. We have made a £100m loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent DP World. This is not sustainable.
"Our survival is dependent on making swift and significant changes now. Without these changes there is no future for P&O Ferries."
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