Redundancies are expected at the Port of Dover as the organisation begins a review into efficiency.

The body, which employs hundreds across Dover, confirmed the number of job losses is so far unknown and has not confirmed whether the move is related to Brexit uncertainty.

MP for the town Natalie Elphicke has said she is concerned and seeks an urgent meeting with the port's management.

A statement from the body confirmed staff have been informed and they will be briefed through the week on how this will be implemented

The statement in full said: "A process has been started to consider where we can secure efficiencies across our business and our employees along with their representative bodies are being briefed throughout the week on how this might potentially be delivered.

"Given the prevailing market conditions and the impact on our business, we must take steps to be able to operate as efficiently as possible whilst still delivering our services, maintaining our assets, performing our statutory duties and being in a position where we are able to grow again in the future.

"Clearly it would be entirely inappropriate to say anything further before the process has completed and the impacts of what are only proposals at this stage are known."

Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: “I am very concerned to hear this news.

"My thoughts are with anyone affected and their families.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with the management at the Port of Dover to discuss this matter and what can be done to ensure that the Port of Dover can continue to gain greater investment and grow in the future.”

The news comes a month after the port opened its new cargo terminal, built to equip the area for future import/export needs.

The RMT and GMB unions have been contacted for a comment.

Mrs Elphicke is expected to meet with the Port sometime this week, but there is no fixed date as yet

More to come.

Read more: All the breaking news across Kent

Read the in depth analysis from our politics editor

What's the latest news in the world of business? Click here.