Not yet shipshape

Unions say Bill to stop another P&O Ferries scandal needs work

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT

UNION chiefs have called for tougher measures to prevent a repeat of the P&O Ferries scandal three years ago today.

The firm sparked a national backlash when it sacked 786 crew in a video call and replaced them with cheaper, low-paid agency workers.

Peter Hebblethwaite, its chief executive, was branded "the most hated man in Britain" in the aftermath.

Labour's Employment Rights Bill, designed to tackle some of the issues at the heart of the scandal, passed its third Commons reading last week.