Transport company P&O Ferries have been accused of making use of fire and rehire practices after sacking 800 workers and replacing them with cheaper agency staff.

There was widespread condemnation at the move by the company, with politicians speaking out against bosses immediately sacking the staff via a Zoom call.

Labour were quick to call out the fire and rehire practices that have not yet been made illegal, however Boris Johnson caused confusion after claiming that P&O Ferries could have broken employment law.

But what exactly does ‘fire and rehire’ mean - and have P&O Ferries broken employment law by sacking 800 British seafarers?

What does fire and rehire mean?

‘Fire and rehire’ is a term used to describe when a company fires an employee and rehires either them or another candidate for the job under new conditions.

These new conditions may include a change of working hours and/or rate of pay, among others.

It is often taken advantage of when an employee and employer cannot agree to vary the terms of their existing contract.

Is fire and rehire illegal?

Currently, the practice is not illegal.

However, the company choosing to adopt the practice must conform with appropriate redundancy and dismissal practice.

This includes a redundancy consultation if it involves a group of individuals.

If they break from this, the employing company could be in breach of UK employment law.

Has P&O Ferries broken employment law?

Many have spoken out against P&O’s...

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