Fury as P&O faces no criminal action over mass layoffs of 800 workers

The Insolvency Service said it had determined there was "no realistic prospect of conviction"

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Image: PA)

P&O Ferries will not face criminal charges over the dismissal of nearly 800 workers, the Insolvency Service has confirmed.

The company sparked public anger and was hauled before MPs after laying off hundreds of workers without notice in March.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has instructed the Insolvency Service to investigate whether any breaches have been committed.

In a statement, the government agency said it had determined there was "no realistic prospect of conviction".

A spokesperson said: "After a full and thorough criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the employees terminated by P&O Ferries, we have concluded that we will not pursue criminal charges."

A civil investigation is underway.

Labour accused the government of breaking its promise to hold P&O to account and warned of a repeat of the mass layoffs.

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Picture:

Andrew Teebay Echo of Liverpool)

Shadow Minister for Labor Rights Justin Madders said: 'Despite all the rhetoric from Tory ministers, they broke the promises they made after P&O's outrageous behavior and instead changed the law to open the door for others to follow in their wake elsewhere.

"This result is a sign of a broken economy under the Conservatives and the fundamental weakness of job protections under their government."

Nautilus International, a union which represents maritime workers, said the Insolvency Service's decision would be a blow to the "dismissed" workers.

General Secretary Mark Dickinson said: "This is a deeply disappointing decision and will be met with frustration and anger by the 786 sailors and their families who have been so cruelly abandoned by P&O Ferries.

"Just a day after P&O Ferries' parent company announced record profits, casting doubt on the company's claims about operational sustainability, we are even more disappointed with a system that fails to punish corporatism apparent criminal.

"The message is clear, P&O Ferries must be held accountable for its shameful actions and we will continue the campaign to...