05-03-2022, 06:52 PM
The Liberal Party notes the continued disruption caused by P&O Ferries decision to dismiss 800 of its staff as part of a restructuring plan.
A month after suspending services whilst it replaced long-serving staff with agency workers on lesser terms and conditions it has still not restored a full service with the resulting disruption to travel and trade.
Maritime safety is a priority, and the Liberal Party welcomes the intervention of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in preventing the sailing of P&O vessels where there is any question of the competency and training of replacement crews.
The party believes there should be a review of the legal duties of Directors and where they are found to knowingly and deliberately flout employment, or health and safety legislation, they should be banned from holding office.
We also believe that any loophole’s in maritime employment law which allow the dismissal of staff and their replacement with agency staff registered abroad should be reviewed to clarify the law.
A month after suspending services whilst it replaced long-serving staff with agency workers on lesser terms and conditions it has still not restored a full service with the resulting disruption to travel and trade.
Maritime safety is a priority, and the Liberal Party welcomes the intervention of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in preventing the sailing of P&O vessels where there is any question of the competency and training of replacement crews.
The party believes there should be a review of the legal duties of Directors and where they are found to knowingly and deliberately flout employment, or health and safety legislation, they should be banned from holding office.
We also believe that any loophole’s in maritime employment law which allow the dismissal of staff and their replacement with agency staff registered abroad should be reviewed to clarify the law.