More than 50 jobs are on the line at P&O Ferries after the firm has confirmed it is outsourcing the running on its on-board shops.

Dufry Group has today announced its new long term contract to take over 15 of the company's shops under the World Duty Free brand - six of which will sail the Dover-Calais route.

It means in-house buyers, assistant buyers, merchandisers, assistant merchandisers, allocators, buyers administrators and category planners are now at risk of redundancy.

A consultation is underway.

A P&O Ferries spokesman said: “We have made it a priority to give certainty on their futures as soon as possible to all colleagues whose jobs are put at risk by this change.

"The best way to build our business is to ensure we are fit for purpose, as efficient as possible and that we are consistently meeting our customers’ needs.

"Our ultimate aim is to create an organisation with opportunities for personal growth and development for our people.”

It is understood that employees based within Channel House and the Whitfield warehouse were delivered the news in a meeting with bosses last Thursday.

Other roles within the supply chain and data including all warehouse operatives could also be slashed.

It is understood shop staff will remain and be re-trained by World Duty Free.

In a statement, Dufry Group say the transfer of the operations will be phased from April to May 2019 and all stores will undergo refurbishment.

Fred Creighton, Divisional CEO UK and Central Europe said: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded this new concessions contract and to have been entrusted with the transformation of the customer retail experience on board the P&O Ferries’ fleet.

"We look forward to further develop the business with our partners to best serve the customers and to provide them with a memorable shopping experience at sea."