Ferry operator, P&O is confident that it can avoid a fine for last year's sacking without notice of nearly 800 seafarers.

Among those sacked across their UK routes network, were seafarers working on the Irish Sea routes of Dublin-Liverpool and Larne-Cairnryan (see photo above). 

The annual report of P&O's Dubai based-owners, DP World, seen by the PA news agency, said its directors think an ongoing inquiry by the Insolvency Service will not result in any punishment.

Of the company's workforce, 786 were made redundant and without consultation on 17 March, 2022 (see, related story). This led to widespread criticism from UK and Irish politicians in addition from trade unions which saw member's protest at ports across both countries.

The mass sacking of seafarers saw them replaced by agency staff paid on wages less than the minimum wage.

A criminal investigation followed to inquire what happened, however this did not result in a prosecution.

Much from the Independent and the annual report.

As Afloat reported recently, in the UK, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) criticised a jobs cut proposal by P&O Ferries to shed a further 60 workers.