Bosses from ferry companies DFDS and Stena Lines will meet government officials later today following rival P&O's decision to sack 800 staff
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it was inspecting the operator's Pride of Kent ship at the port of Dover to ensure it is safe - with a full inspection required at a later date before it can resume passenger and cargo services.
"There is no excuse for this behaviour, and as I said publicly on Friday, I believe your position as chief executive, and indeed as a company director, has become untenable."The letter from Mr Shapps was made public as bosses from rival ferry operators DFDS and Stena Lines were due to meet government officials amid concerns over chaos at ports during the Easter holidays.
Meanwhile, the PA news agency reported that P&O Ferries conducted a study last year examining options to keep the company going. P&O believes that losing the 800 workers has protected the business long-term and the jobs of 2,200 other employees.P&O ferry detained as protests continueA spokesperson for the company said:"Over 90% of seafarers affected are in discussions to progress with the severance offers.
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