Bosses from two of P&O Ferries’ rivals are due to meet with Government officials to discuss the fallout from the firm’s widely-criticised move to sack 800 staff.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has invited DFDS and Stena Lines for talks on Monday, amid concerns over chaos at ports during the Easter holidays. The department confirmed the meeting is taking place, but declined to comment on the topics for discussion.
But a spokesman said: “Ministers are working to understand how we can ensure the continuation of services in collaboration with other operators, including DFDS and Stena.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed Transport Secretary Grant Shapps’ call for P&O boss Peter Hebblethwaite to quit over the mass sacking of the hundreds of workers without notice on March 17, with replacements being paid the minimum wage.
