Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with (a) representatives of P&O Ferries and (b) trade unions on that company’s proposals for 1,100 redundancies among maritime workers on ferry routes from Hull and Dover; and if he will make a statement.
I have had continued engagement with a range of maritime and other transport operators during the pandemic. I have also met with the maritime Trade Unions, where current and future matters impacting workers, and the sector as a whole, were discussed, and will continue to have an ongoing dialogue with them.
I have spoken to both P&O and the Trade Unions regarding the challenges P&O are currently facing.
Due to the sensitive nature of this issue we assume talks will also be happening between P&O and the Trade Unions.