Labor is demanding P&O reinstate redundant workers and will vote to ban ‘fire and reinstate’

Labor is hoping to force a vote on banning fire and reinstatement – and giving P&O workers their jobs back, saying it is a result of the Tory attack on workers’ rights

Labor will stand tomorrow in a vote in the House of Commons in which P&O calls for the reinstatement of 800 sacked seafarers.

The ferry line’s decision to fire hundreds of loyal employees without notice sparked a major public and political backlash.

The move is under investigation to determine if the process breaks any rules.

MPs will use a three hour debate tonight to take action against the company which operates ships from Dover and Hull.

Labor hopes to force a vote on ban fire and reinstatement – and give P&O workers their jobs back.

She is urging the government to “propose urgent legislation to strengthen workers’ rights” in the wake of the company’s bombshell.

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Shadow Transport Minister Louise Haigh said: “Labour will fight at every turn for the jobs and livelihoods of these loyal workers.

“This scandalous action must be a tittle in the sand. If P&O ferries get away with it, it will give the green light to other exploitative employers.

“This is the result of the Tory attack on workers’ rights.

“A Labor government will strengthen workers’ protections and ban fire and reinstatement to give people the security they deserve for an honest day’s work.”

She urged Conservative MPs to “vote a ban on cruel fires and reinstatement forever”, adding: “They must decide which side they are on – loyal workers in Britain or billionaires recklessly flouting rights.”

The motion was supported by the trade union federation.

Secretary-General Frances O’Grady said: “Regardless of where their party allegiances lie, MPs should do the right thing and support Labor’s motion to end the layoffs and demand reinstatement, and to call for the immediate reinstatement of all sacked staff.

“Ministers have spent the last few days condemning P&O’s actions – now they have a chance to prove they mean business.

“P&O Ferries and its owner DP World have acted without shame, we cannot let them off the hook.

“No ifs, no buts. MPs must send a strong signal by backing Labour’s motion.

“Rogue employers need to know not to treat workers like disposable workers.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak criticized P&O’s “horrible” decision to sack the seafarers.

He told BBC1’s Sunday Morning Show: “What we are seeing is appalling, the way they have treated their workers is horrific, it is wrong.

“Across government, we are not only reviewing these measures and whether they comply with regulations, as they should have, but also our own relationship with the company.”