P&O chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite has denied the company broke criminal law when sacking 800 workers and told remaining staff they should not fear the same fate as their former colleagues.
In a message sent to all remaining staff this morning seen by Sky News, Mr Hebblethwaite sought to reassure employees their jobs are not at risk.
Almost 800 seafarers were sacked without notice last week in a move that outraged workers, unions, politicians and customers of the 150 year-old shipping brand.
On Thursday Mr Hebblethwaite admitted P&O broke employment law by failing to consult with unions and staff during evidence to a Parliamentary select committee.
In his message to staff however he insisted it was a "unique" situation and no criminal law was breached.
In his message, headed "From Peter - an update on this week", Mr Hebblethwaite wrote:
"I just want to reassure you on a few points, particularly following my appearance at yesterday's Select Committee with MPs and the media coverage this week.
"Most importantly I am incredibly sorry for any anxiety that I've caused you or your family in the last week - this was never my intention and I am painfully aware it feels deeply uncomfortable.
"There are a couple of issues I also want to make sure you're very clear on. The first is this type of dismissal could not and would not happen again. This was a unique situation.
"The second point is no criminal offence has been committed - neither me, P&O...
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