The firm, which recently took over a contract with the Home Office worth up to £539.1million, has entered consultations over proposals to cut 290 jobs.
The firm operates sites which oversee the processing of migrants (Image: /)
France: Man wielding knife threatens migrants aboard small boat
A private firm that manages the UK’s processing centres for migrants arriving via small boats reportedly faces job losses and pay cuts. Dover MP Mike Tapp (Labour) said he is “deeply concerned” by the reports, while Mike Jones, Home Office group secretary for the Public and Commercial Services Union, has warned of industrial action. It’s reported that 290 jobs could be lost across the Manston Processing Centre and Western Jet Foil, both managed by MTC Definitive (MTCD).
The firm, which was incorporated in October 2024, took over a six-year Home Office contract, believed to be around £462.6m to £539.1m, on November 1. Although Border Force officials remain responsible for immigration decisions, MTCD operates the facilities and day-to-day centre management.
The firm currently oversees the Manston Processing Centre, a short-term holding facility near Ramsgate, and Western Jet Foil, a disembarkation point where migrants are brought ashore at Dover. However, the firm is believed to have entered consultations over proposals to cut 290 jobs across the sites as part of unifying management structures.
As reported by the BBC, MTCD said no final decision has been made on the job losses. They confirmed that any proposed changes to staffing levels across the sites will be subject to consultation.
Mr Tapp, who has raised concerns with the Home Office, said: “These workers carry out an incredibly demanding and sensitive job on the frontline of our border. They deserve respect, fair treatment and job security.”
He added: “I will not stand by while hardworking people in Dover face uncertainty over their jobs, pay and livelihoods.”
Mike Tapp is ‘deeply concerned’ by the reports (Image: Philip Coburn /Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Mr Jones warned there was “a real prospect that there may well be industrial action as a result of this”. He revealed the situation has sparked “a lot of anger and a lot of despair” among staff.
According to Mr Jones, the proposed cuts may be due to a drop in small boat arrivals. Official figures show that, between January 1 and October 31, 2026, a total of 22,128 people crossed the English Channel in small boats, which is 40% lower than during the same period in 2025.
He continued: “There’s a real need for the company to be protecting jobs at the moment and working with the union to make sure that the site is run effectively.”
Migrant crossings have dropped (Image: PA)
MTCD said it takes its legal responsibilities to staff “incredibly seriously” and was engaged in a “full and constructive consultation” with employees and their unions.
The firm said: “We remain committed to open and constructive engagement with our employees and recognised trade unions throughout this process.” It continued: “This will seek to avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible.”