P&O Ferries suspended all of its services without notice yesterday morning (Thursday 17 March), after announcing it would be cutting around 800 jobs with immediate effect.
The 800 seafarers were sacked via video call, with the travel company stating that it was not currently a “viable business” and is facing losses of £100m.
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Warning that "our survival is dependent on making swift and significant changes", it was then shared that the operator will replace its terminated employees with cheap agency staff.
As a result, P&O Ferries has suspended and cancelled a number of its services, with no confirmed date as to when the disruption is expected to end, reports the Mirror.
A statement on the company's Twitter page reads: "P&O Ferries services are unable to run for the next few days. We are advising our customers of alternative arrangements. We will update this feed every 3 hours with the operational situation".
Originally the company was asking passengers to travel to their port and use alternatives such as rival firms, but in more recent updates shared, the operator is advising passengers not to travel to ports unless their journey is essential.
A statement said: "Please arrive at the port as booked and we will arrange to get you away on an alternative carrier as quickly as possible. Once at the port please make your way to the DFDS check-in booths."
Drivers are also being advised to use alternatives such as the Channel Tunnel, or rivals such as DFDS Ferries.
Can I get my money back?
The disruption and delays will no doubt be incredibly frustrating - but your refund rights will depend on how long your journey is delayed by.
According to ABTA : "If your ferry operator expects your departure to be cancelled, the operator should inform you as soon as possible. If this is on the day of travel, you should be informed no later than 30 minutes after your scheduled time of departure."
When a ferry operator cancels your service, you should be offered either an alternative, or a refund. If the cancellation results in an overnight stay becoming necessary, you should be offered accommodation free of charge.
You are entitled to compensation of 25 per cent of your ticket price if your service is delayed for at least:
- One hour for a journey of duration four hours
- Two hours for a journey of duration between four and eight hours
- Three hours for a journey of duration between eight and 24 hours
- Six hours for a journey of duration of over 24 hours.
If the delay exceeds double the time set out, the compensation will be 50 per cent of the ticket price.
