P&O Ferries is now confirmed to have fired 800 members of staff with immediate effect after cancelling all services earlier today.

As reported by BBC News the ferry operator said the "tough decision" was made to secure the future of the business.

P&O has said that its services will not operate for the "next few days", with passengers told to use other companies.

It added its survival was dependent on "making swift and significant changes now".

In a statement it said: "In its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business. We have made a £100m loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent DP World. This is not sustainable. Without these changes there is no future for P&O Ferries."

Daily Echo: P&O Ferries cancelled all services earlier (PA)P&O Ferries cancelled all services earlier (PA)

Some crew are defying orders and refusing to leave their ships in protest at this decision with private security officers having been sent onto one ship docked at Larne Harbour in Northern Ireland to remove staff on board, according to the RMT.

Earlier today Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the House of Commons he is “concerned” by the situation.

He said: “I understand they have temporarily paused their operations and that’s causing disruption at the short straits – Calais-Dover – as well as some other ports.

“I’m working with the Kent Resilience Forum and I’ve just instructed them to become intricately involved, and other partners in this, and we’ll be taking steps later today – including ensuring that my officials will be having urgent discussions with P&O about the situation, particularly of concern for their workers.”