Back in March we shared the story of P&O Ferries' despicable laying-off of over 800 employees in Hull and all over the UK without notice in hopes of raising awareness for the issue and lending our support to the cause. Many of the former employees took to the streets in protest in front of the port and let their voices be heard. Many major news sites including BBC and Sky News covered the story.
The sudden mass overhaul of the workforce was done in an attempt to replace them with cheaper foreign agency workers who would not have to be paid the minimum wage due to a maritime law exception however according to a recent article from the BBC, The Home Office has announced that The UK Border Force's previous contract with P&O Ferries would be stopped immediately. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps took to Twitter on May 30th to state:
"I called for a full review of government agreements with P&O Ferries and working with @ukhomeoffice, we've terminated @UKBorder's one-of-a-kind agreement with the company. We're reforming maritime law to stop firms exploiting legal loopholes and protect workers’ rights." - @Grantshapps
The now cancelled contract had P&O responsible for transporting border staff to northern France should there ever be a problem with the Channel Tunnel. This was the only contract the UK had with the company.
The company is currently under criminal and civil investigations for the issue and the boss Peter Hebblethwaite has been urged to step down by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson among many others.
Hopefully everyone affected has been able to find new work and Hull will find a better alternative ferry service soon.
- Dakota Morrill
Padoo Homes
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