Thank you for contacting me about P&O Ferries' treatment of its employees.

I am shocked at the extreme and callous treatment demonstrated by P&O Ferries in its decision to make 800 employees redundant by pre-recorded video message.

I am aware that the Secretary of State for Transport has announced the Government's intention to review all contracts it has with P&O Ferries and its parent company, DP World. P&O Ferries and P&O Cruises are two completely different companies.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has also been instructed to inspect all P&O Ferries vessels prior to any return to sea.

I would like to assure you that the Government takes these matters very seriously. I am pleased it has confirmed its intention to bring forward an Employment Bill and create a new single enforcement body for employment rights which would bring together three existing workplace rights enforcement bodies into a single, recognisable organisation tasked with protecting workers from unlawful practices.

I will continue to monitor this matter as it develops.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your views.