MPGavin callson urgent support forP&O workers

SNP Shadow Transport Secretary, Gavin Newlands MP, has called for more urgency from the UK government over measures to support laid-off P&O workers.

Citing tomorrow’s deadline for P&O staff to accept severance conditions, the Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP warned ‘the clock is ticking’ and that details of actions taken by the government must be announced to MPs before the House breaks for recess, on the same day.

Mr Newlands also warned that without firm action to outlaw ‘fire and rehire’ practices companies can continue to exploit workers.

He said: “It’s crucial we see a sense of urgency from the UK government over what they propose to do to help the hundreds of staff unlawfully laid off, and with recess and a severance deadline fastapproaching - the clock is ticking.

“The actions taken by P&O to employ fire and rehire tactics on their workers are morally reprehensible and deserve the near-universal condemnation they’re receiving, but it’s sadly not enough to call out this one incident.

“I’ve been calling for this abhorrent practice to be outlawed for years.

“Had the Tories listened we may not be in this position, and while it’s good to see they’ve finally changed tack now it’s frankly too little too late.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed these disgraceful tactics used, and without legislation to outlaw fire and rehire it sadly won’t be the last.

“We need Ministers to come to the House before Thursday to outline exactly what they intend to do to sort this mess out, support the staff of P&O and ensure no one else is made to go through this again.”