Grant Shapps urges P&O Ferries to U-turn on sacking of 800 workers

The transport secretary is expected to close loopholes to ensure ferry companies pay the UK minimum wage

Grant Shapps is writing to the chief executive of P&O Ferries urging him to announce a U-turn on the decision to sack 800 workers without notice, as unions pledged to ratchet up the fight" after a weekend of protests.

The transport secretary is expected to present a package of legislation on Wednesday to close loopholes and ensure ferry companies running regular services to and from the British Isles pay their crew the UK minimum wage.