MPs in Greater Manchester have reacted with fury after ferry giant P&O made 800 crew members redundant across its entire fleet for agency workers.
Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, called on the Government to urgently step in and save jobs. Mike Kane meanwhile, the Wythenshawe and Sale East MP, blasted 'absolutely disgusting and callous behaviour' after video footage emerged of the moment seafarers were told the news.
In what is believed to have been a pre-recorded transmission to staff, workers were told: "The company has made the decision that its vessels going forward will be primarily crewed by a third party crew provider. Therefore I am sorry to inform you that this means your employment is terminated with immediate effect on the grounds of redundancy. Your final day of employment is today."
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Announcing the 800 redundancies, P&O Ferries said that it was not currently a 'viable business' and was facing losses of around £100m. Earlier today the company suspended its services for what it called a pending company announcement, which caused confusion among passengers who had trips booked with the firm and major disruption at ports, including at Dover, as vessels docked.
Greater Manchester MPs reacted as reports emerged of fired P&O workers in Dover clashing with motorists after blocking a road close to the port, and of a protest 'sit-in' by axed staff on a ferry in Hull.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the union RMT, said it was 'receiving reports that security guards at Dover are seeking to board ships with handcuffs to remove crew so they can be replaced with cheaper labour'.
He said: "We are seeking urgent legal action and are again calling for the Government to take action to stop what is fast turning into one of the most shameful acts in the history of British industrial relations. If this happens at P&O it can happen anywhere, and we are calling for mass trade union and wider public mobilisation and protest against the company."
Labour MP Mr Kane said on Twitter: "Absolutely disgusting and callous behaviour by P&O ferries this morning. It shows sheer contempt for the workers who kept us fed and fuelled through the pandemic. This assault on workers' rights cannot go unchallenged - Solidarity with all affected.
Navendu Mishra, Labour MP for Stockport, said: "The news regarding the treatment of P&O workers is absolutely appalling. Dismissed over a video call and kicked off the boats. We simply cannot accept such behaviour by an employer. Solidarity with all P&O workers."
Ms Rayner, Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, added on Twitter: "There are livelihoods on the line right now. It is vital that the Government steps in and saves jobs. P&O cannot be allowed to operate like this."
A spokesperson for P&O Ferries said the 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.
"These circumstances have resulted in a very difficult but necessary decision, which was only taken after seriously considering all the available options. As part of the process we are starting today, we are providing 800 seafarers with immediate severance notices and will be compensating them for this lack of advance notice with enhanced compensation packages.
"In making this tough decision, we are securing the future viability of our business which employs an additional 2,200 people and supports billions in trade in and out of the UK. And we are ensuring that we can continue serving our customers in a way that they have demanded from us for many years."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, meanwhile, said he was 'concerned' and would be speaking to the company today.
Experts have also questioned the legality of the move, saying there is a requirement on an employer for a 45-day period of consultation with employee representatives, such as a trade union.
Sailings have been suspended 'for the next few days'. The firm posted on Twitter: "P&O Ferries services are unable to run for the next few days. We are advising travellers of alternative arrangements."
