P&O Ferries bosses set to avoid punishment after sacking 800 seafarers without notice

786 of the company’s workers were made redundant without consultation on March 17 2022

Legislation aimed at boosting seafarers’ pay has passed its final hurdle but is not expected to have an immediate impact on earnings (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive)

P&O Ferries is confident of avoiding a fine for sacking nearly 800 seafarers without notice.

The annual report of the DP World-owned ferry operator, seen by the PA news agency, said its directors think an ongoing inquiry by the Insolvency Service will not result in any punishment.

Some 786 of the company’s workers were made redundant without consultation on March 17 2022, leading to widespread criticism from politicians and trade unions.