Fire and rehire clampdown welcome but must go further

Commenting on business minister Paul Scully’s pledge to take action on fire and rehire practices in the workplace, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“Bad employers have been increasingly ripping up the rules with fire and rehire tactics to bully staff into accepting worse conditions.

“Taking action on the practice is welcome but long overdue. Conservative MPs voted against protection last year and failed to support measures last week.

“However, these proposals fall far short. The government should make it clear and simple to employers by making fire and rehire unlawful.

“That it took the despicable treatment of 800 workers at P&O Ferries to convince ministers any action was needed is a real shame.

“Some cowboy employers will happily flout the law, take the fines and get their own way. For staff at the sharp end, cheque book justice is no justice at all.

“What’s really needed is the workers’ rights charter for which UNISON has been calling.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.