Great Britain government It has announced plans block ferries with crews were paid less than the minimum wage in British ports in response to widespread fury over P&O Ferries layoffs of 800 workers without consultation.
Transport minister Grant Shapps, said parliament on Wednesday, what government would write in operators of British ports tell them to refuse access companies that did not pay the minimum amount in the UK rate, adding: “This will have full support of in government”.
He also outlined plans create “minimum wage corridors” on ferry routes between UK and other countries.
P&O Ferries garnered attention of criticism and calls for action after its chief executive, Peter Hebblethwaite, acknowledged in extraordinary testimony to a parliamentary committee that the company deliberately ignored labor laws that require companies to consult with staff before leaving. He intends to hire cheaper workers who are not covered by UK minimum wage laws.
Hebblethwaite, whose basic The annual salary is £325,000, MPs said. last week when the average wage of an agency film crew costs £5.50 an hour. Minimal salary in Great Britain for people 23 years old and over is £8.91 per hour.
Shapps wrote to the Bankruptcy Service, an agency responsible for regulatory directors of the companies, stating that he believed Hebblethwaite’s actions amounted to “abrupt actions” that should deprive him of his right leading British company.
That government will strive to bring in primary act to amend the Harbors Act of 1965 to include a minimum wage provision.
However, he must consult with public before making changesSo government will strive use voluntary block do sure “P&O Ferries cannot capitalize on the cynical actions they have taken,” Shapps said.
That government is an also Considering changes to labor law in order to “fire and re-hire”, deeply controversial practice used big companies cut payrolls. Shapps said, government consider allowing labor courts or tribunals to take into account the of dismissal, and give them power to award 25% more in labor calculations.
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That changes – a little of demanded by opposition politicians and trade unions for years – against the backdrop of criticism aimed at government over this inability respond to layoffs.
Shapps said ministers have directed HM Revenue and Customs to review P&O Ferries’ taxes. affairs close to ensure it corresponded to the minimum wage requirements.
Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, government body has also two P&O Ferries, European Causeway delayed in Larne, Northern Ireland and Pride of Kent in Dover. P&O complained that the agency was using “an unprecedented level of severity” in in safety the inspections he conducted, according to the Press Association.
