Crew members who worked for P&O Ferries until almost a year ago, had lost their jobs suddenly in a mass sacking of almost 800 seafarers, however they fear a similar scandal could reoccur.

This month marks a year since the ferry company cancelled all services on the 17th March with P&O instructing their ferries to remain in ports on the Irish Sea, Strait of Dover and North Sea. Among the affected routes were Dublin-Liverpool and Larne-Cairnryan.

This followed the firing of almost a third of its workforce with the company claiming they would go bust otherwise. In a statement released at the time, P&O said they were flagging a £100 million loss year on year and that the company said it “is not a viable business”.

The move was widely condemned by unions among them the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers, the public and politicians alike with the UK Government announcing that it would vow to improve protections for British seafarers.

Following the crew debacle almost 12 months on, a new law ensuring all marine workers operating regularly in UK waters is being passed. The new legislation at Westminster, is designed so to deter companies from firing and rehiring staff.

According to RMT union representative, Lee Davison, a former P&O ferry crew member has said the Seafarers Wages Bill lacks teeth.

For more, ITV News reports on this story where the Bill forms part of a nine point plan to improve the pay and conditions of seafarers.