Tories review all contracts with P&O Ferries and DP World over 800 axed jobs
Amazingly, the UK’s Conservative government is actually doing the right thing – so far!
The government is reviewing all its contracts with both P&O Ferries and parent company DP World after the shock firings of 800 staff over Zoom – exactly as This Site demanded over the weekend.
I didn’t believe a Tory government would actually do it. Even though it hasn’t happened yet, I am forced to applaud Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary) for putting the contracts at risk:
“For our part we’re reviewing all Government contracts with P&O Ferries as a matter of urgency and with DP World and, where possible, we’re looking to use other providers if indeed there are any contracts where the UK Government is involved; I believe at this point that they have been historic in nature rather than current,” Shapps said.
Not only that, but Shapps went further. He said the companies could face criminal prosecution and unlimited fines:
“It’s been quite clear that it’s been handled by the company absolutely disastrously, which is why we’ve asked the Insolvency Service to look at the notification requirements and consider if further action is appropriate – especially if, as we’re concerned, the relevant notice periods weren’t given, the relative consultation didn’t take place,” Shapps said.
“And I can inform the House that that would be a matter for criminal prosecution and unlimited fines as well,” he added.
And he said he was taking steps to remove the companies from influencing UK maritime affairs:
“We’re considering further steps we can take to remove P&O Ferries’ influence from British maritime, including positions on any advisory boards because again I don’t want to see that company, with the way the management has behaved, advising the way that British maritime is shaped and rolls out.”
Safety checks have been ordered on P&O ships – and they will be blocked from sailing if they fail.
And there are concerns that new agency workers from India are being paid just £1.80 per hour, although P&O has said this is not true.
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