The P&O Ferries scandal is one of the most outrageous examples of bad employer practice in decades.
A household name, which was trusted by customers, fired 800 employees to replace them with cheaper agency staff.
New crews will be paid below the UK’s minimum wage apart from on domestic routes.
Such brutality, leaving scars that will never heal, showed contempt for a loyal and decent workforce.
Chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite added insult to injury at Westminster by admitting that his company broke the law.
He conceded there was “absolutely no doubt” the ferry operator was required to consult with trade unions but chose not to ignore them.
Hebblethwaite also issued a worthless public apology to the hundreds of staff who were fired by Zoom.
MP Darren Jones, who chairs the business committee, was correct to say Hebblethwaite should be “fined, struck off and prosecuted.”
Even Tory MP Huw Merriman said the CEO should “consider his position.”
As we reveal today, former P&O workers have endured the extra indignity of having their personal belongings looted in cabins.
P&O has tarnished its reputation and underscored the need for a new law on employment rights.
In the meantime, we hope the workers take this appalling company for every penny they have.
Our children now
The Dnipro Kids have now arrived in Scotland.
Here they will be safe from Putin’s aggression and the bombs that fall on their homeland.
For now, and as long as they need it, the 54 children and young people will be in our warm embrace.
As orphans they will have already been through much in their short lives before Russia attacked their country.
It is important that in years to come they can look back on their time here with fondness.
Every one of us should make these young people feel welcome and valued.
Steven Carr and all at Dnipro Kids have worked tirelessly to make this special moment happen.
They have done Scotland proud and shown the rest of the UK what must be done for people fleeing Putin’s war.
Our doors must be open to help Ukrainians in their time of need.
