A number of companies across Kent are offering jobs to displaced P&O Ferries staff.

Businesses across the county are stepping up to the plate after 800 employees at the company were suddenly made redundant over a Zoom call yesterday.

Dover-based coach firm Bayliss Executive Travel has extended an offer to P&O staff members to support and finance training for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.

On Facebook, the travel company posted: "We at Bayliss Executive Travel are so sorry to hear about our friends and colleagues at P&O ferries and are saddened to hear how things have transpired this morning.

"We’d like to offer something back so will be prepared to offer putting you through your PCV licence free of charge and employment for any P&O worker who would be interested in a career as a coach driver."

Managing director Alistair Bayliss said that he had received more than a dozen calls since making the post yesterday evening.

"It feels like the least we can do, I found out about it from a close friend who was in Rotterdam on the Spirit of France, and I offered him a job.

"When I did that, I realised that we needed to try and do something for everyone. We actually went through something similar with P&O ourselves so we know what it is like."

Meanwhile, The Harbour Inn gastro pub in Folkestone was also quick to flag up its vacancies after yesterday's mass redundancy.

Posting on its Facebook page, bosses at the Harbour Street venue said: "We’re saddened to hear the news today of the redundancies at P&O. What an awful situation.

"If anyone knows or has friends or family that have been affected by what’s happened today please reach out to us if you are looking for work.

"We have many positions available."

Any chefs affected by the shock move have also been offered the chance to start afresh at the The Three Tuns in Lower Halstow, near Sittingbourne.

Landlord Chris Haines tweeted: "Any P&O chefs looking for work I can get you started tomorrow at my Kent-based pub 40 minutes from Dover.

"You’ll be treated as a person – not just a number – when working with me."

The Curious Brewery company has also offered roles in its Ashford brewery to P&O hospitality staff.

A spokesperson for the firm posted: "Hey P&O hospitality teams. We have positions available immediately at our brewery in Ashford, Kent.

"Send your CV to us at careers@curiousbrewery.com."

Airline Wizz Air is also encouraging staff to attend one of its upcoming open recruitment days and to apply for current opportunities. Permanent roles are available at all four of Wizz Air UK’s bases in Gatwick, Luton, Doncaster Sheffield, and Cardiff.