Government fire and rehire plans won’t stop another P&O–style scandal from happening again

The TUC has today (Tuesday) warned that the government’s announcement of a statutory code to tackle ‘fire and rehire’ will not stop bad employers from behaving like P&O.

The TUC says the new code is a baby step forward but lacks bite.

The union highlighted how P&O chose to break the law and considered any financial penalty worth it.

The TUC says the code crucially will not stop employers from ignoring their legal obligations if they choose to do so.

The Conservatives promised over 20 times to introduce an employment bill to beef up worker protections – but ditched the bill from last year’s Queen’s speech.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“This is a reheated, repeated announcement.

“A statutory code of practice is not going to stop another P&O-style scandal from happening, and it won’t deter bad bosses from treating staff like disposable labour.

“If the government really cared about workers’ rights it wouldn’t have abandoned its much-touted employment bill.

“And it wouldn’t be threatening workers with the sack if they strike for better pay and conditions.”