Major UK ferry operator fires 800 crew after pausing service

P&O Ferries, one of the largest ferry operators serving the United Kingdom, has fired 800 crew members with “immediate″ effect

LONDON -- P&O Ferries, one of the largest ferry operators serving the United Kingdom, has fired 800 crew members with “immediate″ effect, saying the company’s survival depended on “swift and significant changes.’’

Thursday’s announcement came shortly after the company directed passengers to other ferry operators because many of its services would be suspended for “the next few days.” P&O, a unit of Dubai-government owned logistics giant DP World, operates ferries between the U.K. and France, Ireland and the Netherlands.

“In its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business,’’ the company said in a statement. “We have made a 100 million pound 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.’’

A union representing P&O crew members said the company’s action was “scandalous” after it received millions of pounds of British government funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nautilus International advised its members to stay on board their vessels “until further notice.”