A Member of the House Keys (MHK) has joined several other politicians in voicing concerns regarding Isle of Man Steam Packet officers that were served with notice of termination on Friday evening (22 Dec), describing it as 'abhorrent behaviour'.

Seafarers’ trade union, Nautical International had towards the end of the week, claimed its members received the notice after refusing to sign new contracts of employment to work on board the new flagship as Afloat previously reported.

As ManxRadio reports, the conduct by the Steam Packet was described by the union as an active fire and rehire process.

Michelle Haywood, the MHK for Rushen, Port St. Mary, says the ferry company's board 'should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves', and had argued that 'this is no way to handle workforce relationships'.

The MHK whose constituency is located in the south-western tip of the Isle of Man added: 'Whoever signed off on sending that email three days before Christmas should hang their heads in shame'.