A VETERAN dock worker says he is certain to lose his family home after he was made redundant following the collapse of ferry operator SeaFrance.

Devastated Mick Davison has worked at the Port of Dover for almost 30 years and is currently one of four supervisors for the mooring teams at the harbour.

Mooring duties, in particular those which Mr Davison carries out, are contracted out by Dover Harbour Board to a firm called One Complete Service (OCS).

But following the liquidation of the Dover-Calais operator SeaFrance last month, he has been told his job is to be axed along with seven others from the mooring department.

The 60-year-old and his wife of 12 years Lynda, say they now face losing their family home in Prioress Walk, Dover, as a result of the impending redundancy.

The father-of-six told the Express: "It's heart-breaking to think we're not going to be able to keep our home.

"We've put everything into this house – we've been here 12 years and we love it so much.

"But without my wages coming in we simply won't be able to afford the mortgage."

Despite Mr Davison receiving a basic Army pension from his 16 years with The Green Jackets, in which he served in Northern Ireland during the 60s as well as in Hong Kong and Cyprus, the couple's finances will not cover their outgoings.

Mrs Davison, 55, suffers from severe arthritis and spondylosis, an arthritic condition of the joints, which means she is unable to work.

Mr Davison said: "Things are going to be really tough for us.

"My company has capped redundancy pay to 20 years, meaning that although I've worked there 30, I will only get the same payoff as those who have worked 10 years less than me.

"To add insult to injury, I've got to work the next three months of my notice or I won't get paid my redundancy money.

"That's time I could spend looking for another job.

Mr Davison added: "I'm not getting any younger – I have a specialised set of skills but no company is going to want to employ a 60-year-old."

OCS plans to slash the eight jobs from across its four mooring teams.

A spokesman for OCS said: "Following the liquidation of SeaFrance, OCS has been involved in a full and comprehensive consultation programme with our staff at the Port of Dover."

He added: "Our aim has been to safeguard as many jobs as possible."