The stunned reaction to P&O Ferries' decision to instantly sack 800 seafarers and replace them with cheaper agency worker quickly turned to anger and then calls for action. The sight of security guards with handcuffs being called on to remove workers provoked fury across the political spectrum on Thursday.
Ferry services had been suspended ahead of the announcement and remain suspended today. 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.
The move sparked outrage from workers, many of whom refused to leave ships, leading to those incredible scene of security guards with handcuffs being deployed to remove them. Protests are planned and legal action is being considered.
