UK transport minister questions the legality of P&O sackings

Shapps wrote to Robert Woods, the chairman of P&O Ferries, saying the company had received support from government during the coronavirus pandemic and he was "frankly staggered" by the way the workers were sacked. "I would therefore urge to begin to repair the damage that has been caused to your company's reputation by pausing the changes announced yesterday," Shapps said.

Britain's transport minister Grant Shapps said on Friday he was questioning the legality of P&O Ferries' decision to fire 800 staff with immediate effect, and that he was reviewing the company's contracts with the government. Shapps wrote to Robert Woods, the chairman of P&O Ferries, saying the company had received support from government during the coronavirus pandemic and he was "frankly staggered" by the way the workers were sacked.

"I would therefore urge to begin to repair the damage that has been caused to your company's reputation by pausing the changes announced yesterday," Shapps said. "It is not too late for P&O Ferries to salvage this situation."