P&O sacks 800 UK crew saying action was needed to remain 鈥榲iable鈥�
Crews are reported to be sitting in on ships in protest, while agency workers are said to already be on stand-by to take over jobs
Staff are reported to be sitting in, in protest on the Pride of Hull
VanderWolf Images
P&O ferries has sacked 800 UK crewmembers, confirming rumours from earlier today (March 17).
Read more:P&O鈥檚 UK-France ferries halted amid rumours it plans to sack its staff
The firm has stated it can only survive by making 鈥渟wift and significant changes鈥� as it is 鈥渘ot a viable business鈥� 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 鈥渃heap agency staff from Eastern Europe鈥�.
Crews are reported to be sitting in onboard ships in protest while new staff wait to take over.
Meanwhile P&O states that while it implements its 鈥渃hanges鈥�, 鈥渕any of our services will not be running over the next few days鈥�.
It asks customers to check its website for more information.
A message on the site states that its actions aim to make the firm 鈥渁 more competitive and efficient operator, providing a better service to our customers鈥�.
It says those travelling Dover-Calais should continue to arrive at the port, where alternative options will be found.
