A sacked P&O chef says the ferry firm's admission he was unfairly dismissed is a victory for him and all UK maritime workers.

John Lansdown from Herne Bay was the only seafarer to turn down a pay-off when the company announced scything cuts to its workforce in March.

Instead he took legal action against the firm, but in an out-of-court settlement P&O has accepted it acted unfairly in firing him - admitting that no consultation took place prior to the dismissal.

P&O were widely derided for the sackings, and the way they were enforced, with some staff marched off ships even without their belongings.

In a statement posted online, Mr Lansdown welcomed the firm's admissions, writing: "Facing the prospect of a very public employment tribunal, P&O Ferries have admitted that I was unfairly dismissed by the company when I, along with nearly 800 seafarers was sacked on the spot and replaced with cheap, exploited foreign agency workers on 17 March this year.

"This is hugely important not just for myself but for all British citizens employed within the maritime industry and for employment rights and industrial relations for British workers.

"I've been left to fight this law breaker single-handedly after the UK Government failed to take any meaningful action against them. This admission of guilt is the justice that I've been seeking - to hold P&O Ferries to account by compelling them to admit further wrongdoing.

"I, along with my colleagues and our respective friends and families, will never forget the brutal actions that P&O Ferries, supported by DP World, carried out earlier this year.

Mr Lansdown, who worked as a sous chef on the Pride of Canterbury, said the settlement had allowed him to make a substantial donation to the Sailors Children's Society in Hull - a charity that supports seafarers children across the UK.

He said he would also be donation to the RMT National Dispute Fund.

The former chef added: "I am able to make this statement publicly because I refused their unjust offer and rejected the gagging order that they demanded sacked workers sign up to back in March.

"I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the support & encouragement that I've received from former colleagues and the British Public.

"Every fair minded person in this country has been outraged by the unjust actions of P&O Ferries.

"I would like to whole heartedly thank those that have donated to my crowd fund, and those that have sent me the most heartwarming messages of support and encouragement. They have truly helped to bolster me in this most arduous of process."

P&O Ferries declined to comment.