P & O ferries sack 800 staff

In a shock move, UK Ferry operator P&O Ferrys today dramatically sacked 800 employees and ceased all its UK sailings.

It has been reported that at least one captain as refused to turn his vessel over to P&O.

MP for Kingston upon Hull East, Karl Turner tweeted: "I’m hearing that the captain of the Pride of Hull will refuse to allow the police to board the vessel if @POferries ask them to do so. #POFerries. The official sit in of the ship is supported by both @nautilusint members (officers) and @RMTunion members."

The news of the sackings was met with “concern” from the government. Secretary for Transport Grant Shapps, seemingly caught unawares by the development, told Parliament he has requested urgent talks with the ferry operator.

P&O operate routes from Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam and two crossings to Ireland.

It has been reported the ferry company will replace fired staff with agency workers.

The news broke following a direction by management informing staff to return to port, disembark passengers and await a major announcement.

Trade Unions have reacted with apoplexy and advised staff to remain onboard the ships. This seems likely to set the stage for a confrontation between unionised staff and employer.

One trade union, Nautilus International, described the unfolding situation as; “a scandalous betrayal of British workers."

No notice was served to staff.

On their twitter account the company apologised to passengers for the delay stating only: “Regretfully, P&O Ferries services are unable to run for the next few hours. Our port teams will guide you and travel will be arranged via an alternative operator.”

More as the story develops.