A senior MP and law firm partner have questioned P&O Ferries' decision to cut 800 jobs with immediate effect and replace staff with agency labour - as unions today continued to battle the controversial move. The maritime giant says it is sending 800 seafarers immediate severance notices as it bids to stem its losses. The news came after crews were told to keep ships at port this morning ahead of a major announcement.
Unions are advising seafarers to stay onboard their ships. This afternoon there were reports security guards were looking to board ships to remove crew members. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We are seeking urgent legal action and are again calling for the Government to take action to stop what is fast turning into one of the most shameful acts in the history of British industrial relations," reports Business Live.
Labour MPs and other unions have also slammed P&O's move, with former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell calling it "the worst behaviour of a 19th Century mill owner". Conservative MP Huw Merriman, who chairs the Commons Transport Select Committee, described the developments as “deeply concerning”.
