Government Targets Ferry Bosses Over Minimum Wage Scandal
Bosses from DFDS and Stena Lines are set for urgent talks on Monday as the government clamps down on ferry firms dodging UK minimum wage rules in domestic waters.
P&O Ferries Fired 800 Workers – Now Faces Wrath
P&O Ferries sparked fury after sacking 800 staff without notice and replacing them with agency workers earning just £5.50 per hour – well below the £8.91 UK minimum wage.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for P&O Ferries’ chief Peter Hebblethwaite to quit following his admission to MPs that the mass dismissals were illegal.
Widespread protests rocked major ports like Dover and Hull on Saturday, with unions demanding justice for the fired workers.
Ship Detained Over Safety and Training Failures
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has detained P&O’s vessel, European Causeway, in Larne, Northern Ireland. The ship was deemed “unfit to sail” due to poor crew training, missing documentation, and lack of crew familiarisation.
P&O vows to make changes before the ship returns to service, but unions warn the rushed replacement of experienced crews with low-paid agency staff risks safety and service quality.
Government Steps In to Protect UK Workers
Currently, ferry ships registered overseas avoid paying UK minimum wage despite operating in UK waters. P&O insists job cuts were necessary to stop losing £100m a year.
However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is preparing new rules forcing ferry companies to pay the full UK minimum wage while in British waters.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Ministers are working to ensure ferry services continue in collaboration with operators including DFDS and Stena.”
The move aims to protect workers and holidaymakers alike, as fears grow over potential travel chaos if P&O vessels remain sidelined.
