A cafe owner has put his money where his mouth is and given a job to a sacked P&O worker who was made redundant after more than 20 years with the ferry giant.

Alistair Bassett, 60, who with his wife runs the award-winning Goose on the Green cafe at The Strand, Walmer, Deal, was horrified when he read about the firm's redundancies. So he threw staff a lifeline, posting job offers on his cafe's Facebook page.

Within a day, the couple had signed up chef Ian Burford to work in the kitchen, and tomorrow they are interviewing another axed cook for a second position.

Alistair said: "We had been looking for cooking staff for some time as there is a bit of a shortage in the hospitality sector right now following the pandemic. And, of course, we are just coming into the summer season, which makes things worse.

"So I put a post up straight away asking any sacked P&O workers to come to talk to us. Literally, the same day Ian came along. We had an interview and a chat, he had a trial the next day and I offered him a job. It all happened so fast after that disastrous video call they all had to listen to. But he was straight on it and saw our post. He was delighted. We are looking forward to working with him."

Alistair added: "We have another ex-P&O chef coming in for a trial tomorrow so it's all good news."

He admitted: "All businesses have had a difficult time but these are all hard-working people. It's important we work together. These guys know what they are doing. They are used to serving lots of people in a short time every day. I think Ian had been with P&O for more than 20 years. He fits our profile exactly."

Ian, who lives in Deal, is to start his new job on Tuesday.

Alistair and his wife, Lisa Dixon-Bassett, bought the cafe in December 2017 and within eight months had won their first award. It was recently voted best in Kent on Tripadvisor.

Alistair said: "It's been an interesting journey as neither of us were involved in catering before. We are glad we took the plunge but it has been an eye-opener and extremely hard work as we want it to be right."

He ran an IT business and Lisa worked at pharmaceutical firm Pfizer.

Alistair added: "It's nice to see all the love our original post has received. It's been quite phenomenal." The couple are also interviewing for front of house staff.

In another move, axed P&O ferry staff could end up swapping a life on the ocean waves for a career in the air. Wizz Air is encouraging former employees to apply for cabin crew roles.

Recruitment days are taking place at Gatwick Airport on Tuesday (Mar 22), March 28, April 4 and 11.

Managing director Marion Geoffroy (corr) said: “We can only imagine the worry that impacted P&O employees must be feeling right now. Regardless of experience, we encourage those looking for a new job to attend one of our upcoming recruitment events to learn more about the exciting opportunities we have on offer.

"We are committed to offering our crews a clear career path and opportunities to develop, as well as roster patterns to allow for an improved work-life balance. With transferable skills, we are confident that P&O Ferries employees would be well positioned to join our team."