Staff working for cross-Channel ferry operator SeaFrance are being balloted today over the latest redundancy proposals.

The SeaFrance management and most of the unions have signed the agreement put forward by mediator Daniel Cholley.

But the largest French union, the CFDT, has rejected the plan. SeaFrance faces a serious financial situation, which could lead to the court taking control of the company.

The mediator's proposal recommended 482 redundancies, as opposed to the company's original suggestion of 650.

If the staff members agree to the proposal in the secret ballot, the company will remain in the hands of SeaFrance management.