Responding to the announcement today (Tuesday 24 January) that the government intends to introduce a statutory code of practice to deter companies from firing and rehiring their workforce, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“This proposal is an insult to workers and their families. The government should be banning fire and rehire once and for all. But instead bullying bosses like those at P&O - who use this abhorrent tactic to boost their profits – are presented with a ‘code of practice’.

 “Compare that with the efforts they are making right now to push through punishing new laws that will grant ministers the power sack nurses and ambulance workers exercising their fundamental right to strike. We can all see whose side they are on.

“Unite has repeatedly fought back and overturned attempts to fire and rehire its members and it will continue to do so. Fire and rehire should have no place in society.”

Under the government’s plans if companies that fail to follow the code then lose an employment tribunal case for unfair dismissal, they may have to pay an additional 25 per cent compensation in certain circumstances.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.