Operator Stena Line which has a ferry route on the North Channel, has said it will put on extra services between Northern Ireland and Scotland from Tuesday, reports the Belfast Telegraph. 

The UK’s Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the news in the House of Commons (see related story), stating the company had “stepped up” after P&O routes were suspended last week and that it would ease pressure on major supermarkets like Asda and Marks & Spencer.

There was widespread outrage last week after P&O made the sudden announcement that 800 crew workers had lost their jobs without warning.

It’s understood up to 50 workers from Northern Ireland alone are affected.

The BBC report that Mr Shapps confirmed that if it is found P&O flouted employment law by failing to give adequate notice or consultation then it would be “a matter for criminal prosecution and unlimited fines”.

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister has also accused P&O of “ripping up the employment rule book”.

P&O has said the company was forced to take immediate action to safeguard the future viability of the business and that affected staff would be receiving enhanced redundancy packages.

Further coverage from the newspaper here.