Boris Johnson has accused P&O ferries of breaking the law after the firm sacked 800 workers on the spot and replaced them with cheaper labour.
The prime minister said the government will be ‘taking action’ and encouraging workers to do the same.
However he was accused by the opposition of delivering ‘half-arsed bluster and waffle’ in response to calls to better protect British workers.
One union has claimed P&O staff will be replaced by Indian seafarers on less than 2 an hour.
The row at PMQS came as the chief executive of the shamed company finally issued a direct apology over the mass firing, which sparked widespread condemnation from employees, unions and cross-party politicians.
CEO Peter Hebblethwaite said: ‘I want to say sorry to the people affected and their families for the impact it’s had on them, and also to the 2,200 people who still work for P&O and will have been asked a lot of difficult questions about this.’
However, he ultimately defended the decision, insisting it was the only way to save his business.
He said: ‘Over the last week, I’ve been speaking face-to-face to seafarers and their partners. They’ve lost their jobs and there is anger and shock, and I completely understand.
PM: P&O Ferries has 'broken the law' and Govt will be 'taking action'
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