THREAT GROWS OVER "EXPLOITATIVE" FIRE AND REHIRE PLANS
Patricia Gibson MP has ramped up calls on the UK Government to take urgent action and protect thousands of workers by banning the "exploitative practice" of firms sacking staff and then re-employing them on significantly reduced terms, as set out in the Bill presented by the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s Gavin Newlands MP
Such companies include Centrica and British Airways. The excuse given is the coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Gibson said:
"The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the economy and businesses across the UK. However, some unscrupulous employers cannot be allowed to use the pandemic as a smokescreen to fire and then rehire staff on significantly reduced terms.
"Households are already under financial pressure as people suffer a drop in income or job losses. For companies such as Centrica and British Airways to plough ahead with plans to undermine their employees’ rights is shameful and must be stopped.
"The UK Government must urgently ban the exploitative practice before thousands fall victim.
"If Westminster refuses to take the necessary steps, it must devolve the powers to Holyrood so Scotland make different choices, including the prevention of fire and rehire and an investment-led recovery that protects jobs."
British Gas owner 'using Covid-19 as smokescreen to alter staff contracts':
ENDS
