The new legislation limits the time crews can spend on board ships, raising fresh concerns about the jobs of P&O workers. A letter sent to staff, seen by the BBC, said a new French law would allow crews to spend 14 days on the ferry. A union raised concerns that repatriating current staff from the Philippines and Indonesia would prove too costly on the revised schedules.

A P&O spokesperson said the company had “always called for a level playing field among ferry operators” to ensure a “thriving sector.”The ferry operator will move its Dover to Calais route staffing to two weeks on and two weeks off. Martyn Gray, director of organizing at seafarers’ union Nautilus, said that is a reduction for many workers.

According to the letter sent by the crewing management agency PhilCrew, new legislation will take effect in June. New legislation will come in from June, “particularly impacting” crew members from Asia and those needing “extensive travel periods.“

Mr Gray raised concerns that the move could be “another blow” for company staff. Moreover, it could put their jobs at risk.

Staffing at P&O is looked after by PhilCrew, who did not respond to a request for comment.

Ex-Chef Worries New French Law Means Job Cuts

John Lansdown, a former sous chef on the Dover to Calais route, has been campaigning for better conditions for crew. Since the mass sackings at the firm in 2022.

He said: “Again it’s the people who bear the brunt of this.”

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries said: “We recruit in a competitive international labour market. We offer a package that attracts experienced, qualified seafarers from the UK, EU and around the world to work aboard our ships.

“We always pay at least the minimum wage required by national and international law. Along with an industry-leading support package for our crew. We work hard to ensure their welfare, wellbeing and proper care for their mental health.”