Government urged to 'come clean' over its plans for workers rights amid P&O scandal

Trades Union Congress general secretary France O’Grady has written to Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng demanding action.

Workers’ leaders today urged the Government to “come clean” over its plans for employees’ rights.

The P&O scandal – where the ferries firm sacked 800 staff and replaced them with workers on less than the UK minimum wage – has piled fresh pressure on ministers to bolster protections for staff.

But there are fears a Bill aimed at beefing-up rights could be dropped from the Queen’s Speech, where the Government outlines its proposals for new legislation, on May 10.

Trades Union Congress general secretary France O’Grady has written to Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng demanding action.

She warned: “If the Government ditches the Employment Bill it will be sending a green light to rogue employers to treat staff like disposable labour.

“After the scandalous events at P&O, which have exposed gaping holes in UK employment law, the need for new legislation has never been clearer or more urgent.

“There is no excuse for delay. If the Government breaks its promise to enhance workers’ rights working people will have been conned and betrayed.

“It’s vital ministers come clean about their plans.

“In the wake of P&O, the Government can stand on the side of workers and legislate new protections.

“Or it can side with bad bosses and abandon its long overdue Employment Bill.”

The TUC said the Government had repeatedly offered assurances it would legislate for new workplace protections.

GMB union general secretary Gary Smith said: “To drop the Employment Bill after the disgraceful P&O sackings and widespread use of revolting fire-and-rehire tactics says everything about this Government’s attitude to working people.

“Employment rights in our country need to be stronger, and it is simply not good enough for the Government to keep on failing in this key area.

“In the face of spiralling energy bills, rampant inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis, working people should be able to stand up for their rights at work and organise for better pay.

“Our country deserves better.”