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Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 May, 2003, 16:43 GMT 17:43 UK
Ferry changes threatens jobs
P&O ferry
P&O operate Irish Sea services from Fleetwood, Dublin and Liverpool
Ferry company P&O has agreed to transfer its Irish Sea routes to Stena Line, causing fears that 130 jobs could be lost at the firm's Lancashire base.

Staff at P&O's Irish Sea headquarters in Fleetwood learnt of the changes on Wednesday.

The company said it was too early to say what the job implications would be.

But it said any duplication would most likely be in office functions.

The announcement means that £50m of P&O's assets will be transferred to Swedish-based Stena, including five ferries and their crews.

P&O currently runs seven routes in the Irish Sea from its bases in Fleetwood, Liverpool and Dublin.

The decision follows a restructuring drive aimed at making annual savings of £15m.

The Port of Mostyn, in north Wales, will also be closed as part of the plans.




SEE ALSO:
Jobs go as Dublin ferry axed
27 May 03  |  North East Wales
Ferry crash captain suspended
20 Apr 03  |  Kent
P&O Princess shareholders back merger
16 Apr 03  |  Hampshire/Dorset


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