P&O sacks 800 UK crew saying action was needed to remain ‘viable’

P&O ferries has sacked 800 UK crewmembers, confirming rumours from earlier today (March 17).

Read more: P&O’s UK-France ferries halted amid rumours it plans to sack its staff

The firm has stated it can only survive by making “swift and significant changes” as it is “not a viable business” in its current model.

Hull MP Karl Turner, who has been making regular updates via Twitter, has told LBC that the staff will be replaced by “cheap agency staff from Eastern Europe”.

Crews are reported to be sitting in onboard ships in protest while new staff wait to take over.

The underhand and aggressive tactics they're using should be opposed by the Government and every working person in this country – if they're allowed to get away with it, then it could be anyone's job next. https://t.co/FNAOqNIbm8

— Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) March 17, 2022

Meanwhile P&O states that while it implements its “changes”, “many of our services will not be running over the next few days”.

It asks customers to check its website poferries.com for more information.

A message on the site states that its actions aim to make the firm “a more competitive and efficient operator, providing a better service to our customers”.

It says those travelling Dover-Calais should continue to arrive at the port, where alternative options will be found.