P&O Ferries chief executive was urged to quit by MPs after the firm admitted breaking employment law when it sacked 800 seafarers without notice. Peter Hebblethwaite acknowledged there is “absolutely no doubt” the ferry operator was required to consult with trade unions prior to dismissing the workers.
Last week the firm replaced its crews with cheaper agency workers. According to Mr Hebblethwaite, the new crews are being paid below the UK’s minimum wage, except when working domestic routes, but he insisted this is allowed under international maritime rules.
The chief executive also claimed that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was aware of the intention to cut jobs in November last year, although the Department for Transport (DfT) strongly denied this.
