P&O Ferries workers were told they were being made redundant in a video message played to staff informing them they were being replaced by a “third party crew provider”.  

Footage of the moment staff were told they were being let go has been passed to the BBC, with an executive from the company telling workers about the decision to terminate their jobs with immediate effect.  

The firm has fired 800 seafarers claiming it is “not a viable business” in its current state. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is “deeply concerned” about the announcement, and that the Scottish Government is seeking urgent talks with the company. 

READ MORE: P&O cancels Scots services as it fires 800 staff and are 'replaced by foreign labour'

P&O, bought by Dubai-based logistics giant DP World in 2019, said it has suspended sailings “for the next few days”. 

The Herald:

Former P&O staff and RMT members block the road leading to the Port of Dover as P&O Ferries suspended sailings 

Workers currently on board ships were instructed by unions not to leave. 

In the video message, staff were told: “The company has made the decision that its vessels, going forward, will be primarily crewed by a third party crew provider. 

“Therefore I am sorry to inform you that your employment is terminated with immediate effect on the grounds of redundancy. 

“Your final day of employment is today.  

The company operates a route between Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway and Larne in County Antrim, with seven scheduled services . 

In a message posted online, Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m deeply concerned at P&O announcement - due to the importance to Scotland of the Cairnryan/Larne route obviously, but also the impact on 100s of workers.  

“Fire & rehire is an appalling practice & offends the basic principle of fair work. [The Scottish Government] will be seeking urgent talks.” 

Many P&O seafarers were furloughed during the coronavirus crisis, with the Government paying up to 80% of their wages. 

READ MORE: P&O cancels Scots services as it fires 800 staff and are 'replaced by foreign labour'

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “This scandalous action shows sheer contempt for the workforce. 

“Unscrupulous employers cannot be given free rein to sack workers and replace them with agency staff.” 

P&O Ferries said in a statement: “In its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business. 

“We have made a £100 million loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent, DP World. This is not sustainable. 

“Our survival is dependent on making swift and significant changes now. Without these changes there is no future for P&O Ferries.”