Shapps’ plan to make P&O Ferries ‘fundamentally rethink’ sackings
P&O Ferries will be forced to “fundamentally rethink their decision” to sack nearly 800 workers, according to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The Cabinet minister made the claim as he set out a series of measures in response to the redundancies.
These include plans to create “minimum wage corridors” on ferry routes between the UK and other countries.
He will also urge ports to refuse access to boats carrying seafarers paid below the minimum wage, and ask the Insolvency Service to consider disqualifying P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite fromactingasacompanydirector.
Speakinginthehouseofcommons, Mr Shapps said: “P&O Ferries’ failure to see reason, to recognise the public anger, and todotherightthingbytheirstaff hasleftthegovernmentwithno choice.
“I am today announcing a package of nine measures that willforcethemtofundamentally rethink their decision.
“This will send a clear message to the maritime industry: wewillnotallowthistohappen again.
“Where new laws are needed, we will create them. Where legal loopholes are cynically exploited, we will close them. And where employment rights are too weak, we will strengthen them.”
Grant Shapps said the government wants to bring forward the legislation to allow British ports to refuse access to ferry services that do not pay their crew the minimum wage “asquicklyaspossible”,adding: “We’relegally-boundtoconsult with the sector on any changes – and unlike P&O, we take that consultation seriously.
“Solegislativechangeswillnot be possible overnight.”
But Mr Shapps said he will be writing to all ports in the UK explaining the government’s plan, adding: “But in the meantime instructing them not to wait. I want to see British ports refusing access to ferry companieswhodon’tpayafairwageas soon as practicable.
“This will have the full backing of the government and I’ve instructed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to get behind this action too, and they’veindicatedthattheywill.”
The Transport Secretary added of the proposals: “It’ll send a clear message that if you are using British waters and British ports to ply your trade then you must accept British laws.”