P&O Ferries seafarers told they will benefit from new French pay rules

Rivals had feared P&O could challenge legislation closing loopholes that allowed low wages

P&O Ferries seafarers have been told they will benefit from new French legislation that could double their pay, in what appears to be a significant U-turn by the controversial ferry operator.

The move comes more than two years after P&O enraged the UK and French governments by sacking 786 workers and then taking advantage of a legal loophole to hire replacements on pay rates of below the minimum wage.