The government has urged to “make clear” its plans for workers’ rights amid the P&O scandal.

The general secretary of the trade union congress, France O’Grady, has written to business minister Kwasi Kwarteng demanding action.

Workers leaders today urged the government to “make clear” its plans for workers’ rights.

The P&O scandal – in which the ferry company laid off 800 staff and replaced them with workers earning less than the UK minimum wage – has put renewed pressure on ministers to step up protections for employees.

But there are fears a bill aimed at boosting rights could be dropped from the Queen’s speech in which the Government will outline its proposals for new legislation on May 10.

The general secretary of the trade union congress, France O’Grady, has written to business minister Kwasi Kwarteng demanding action.

She warned: “If the government drops the Employment Act, it will give malicious employers the green light to treat employees like disposable workers.

“Following the scandalous events at P&O which exposed gaping loopholes in UK employment law, the need for new legislation has never been so clear and urgent.

“There is no excuse for delays. When the government breaks its promise to strengthen workers’ rights, working people will be duped and duped.

“It is important that ministers disclose their plans.

“After P&O, the government can stand with workers and enact new protections.

“Or it can side with bad bosses and abandon its long-overdue employment law.”

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

Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, said: “Dropping the Employment Act after the shameful P&O sackings and widespread use of heinous fire and reinstatement tactics says everything about this government’s attitude towards working people.

“Labor rights in our country need to be strengthened and it is simply not enough for the government to continue to fail in this key area.

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

“Our country deserves better.”