Government backtracked on P&O, says sacked worker

John Lansdown is the only former P&O Ferries worker to speak publicly after refusing a pay off deal

A former P&O Ferries worker has accused the government of "going back on its promises" when it comes to taking action over the sacking of 786 seafarers in 2022.

John Lansdown is the only seafarer to speak publicly after refusing a £30,000 pay out from P&O Ferries in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement.

He said it was "upsetting" that the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh had not yet followed through on actions she called for when in opposition.

A government spokesman said: “We will be bringing forward legislation soon to put an end to unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, which have no place in a modern labour market.”

Mr Lansdown, a former sous chef on the Dover to Calais route, said: "When Louise Haigh was in opposition she said the Conservative government should suspend or review any contracts that P&O Ferries owners, DP World, have with the government.

"She's nearly had her hands on the levers of power for approximately 100 days, why have these contracts with DP World not been suspended and reviewed?

"This is really upsetting to working people. They're meant to be the Labour Party, the party of working people."

'Return to profitability'

It comes a day before the government is due to introduce its Employment Rights Bill to parliament, which is expected to include a law banning the practice of firing staff and re-hiring workers on lower pay.

Mr Lansdown, from Herne Bay, Kent, was also concerned the new laws the government was due to outline won't go far enough.

He added: "If this Labour government go ahead and ban fire and re-hire it will be great. However, they have to follow through on any promises they made in opposition.

"We cannot see any caveats to this at all."

P&O Ferries said it welcomed “any legislation that creates a level playing field among ferry operators".

On the sackings in 2022, P&O Ferries added: “The tough but necessary changes made in March 2022 saved the business and 2,000 jobs.

“The business is now on track to return to profitability, a necessary condition for any business to sustain jobs for the long term."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.