News
P&O Ferries hit with huge backlash over ‘vicious’ move to sack 800 workers
"It's a kick in the teeth to the hard-working members of staff who have kept the business running through the global health crisis".
British shipping company P&O Ferries has been hit with growing backlash over its decision to sack 800 staff members and suspend all sailings.
The well-known ferry operator – owned by Dubai-based logistics giant, DP World – announced yesterday that it was not only cancelling all of its services for the next few days, but it would also be sacking 800 members of staff with no notice via a video message, claiming it was “not a viable business” in its current state.
The move is believed to affect everyone, from captains and check-in staff, to engine room staff, loaders, and cleaners.
Insisting that the decision to cut jobs was “very difficult but necessary” to plug its losses, P&O Ferries said in a statement regarding its decision: “P&O Ferries plays a critical role in keeping trade flowing, supply chains moving, and connecting families and friends across the North and Irish seas and the English Channel, [and] we have been at the heart of this service for years and we are committed to serving these vital routes.
Read more: Shock and chaos as P&O Ferries sacks 800 staff members and suspends all sailings
“However, in its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business as we have made a £100m loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent DP World.
“This is not sustainable.”
The company said that all staff affected will be served with “enhanced” severance packages, and called this “necessary” to protect its remaining 2,200 staff.
Travellers are being told to make “alternative arrangements” to cancelled services.
Since the news broke of P&O’s decision to make workers redundant and cancel all upcoming services for a few days, the company has been hit with immediate and growing backlash, with the move having been branded “vicious” and “appalling”, and many transport unions urging staff to protest against the treatment they’ve received.
Outraged by the decision, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) described the move as a “vicious example of despotic employer behaviour” and called for demonstrations in Dover, Liverpool, and Hull today – where P&O Ferries most-commonly conducts passenger and freight services to and from.
The union’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, said the decision is “a kick in the teeth to the hard-working members of staff who have kept the business running through the global health crisis”.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says he is “very concerned about the news”, and insisted that he would be speaking to the company today to understand the impact on workers and passengers.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham tweeted simply saying: “Boycott P&O Ferries.”
Featured Image – P&O Ferries
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Featured image: GMP
News
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
According to new guidance published online this afternoon, disposable barbecues pose a ‘significant risk to the public’ due to the current heatwave conditions.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
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“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Featured Image – Dom (via Unsplash)
Emily Sergeant -
18th March 2022 
