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CAMPAIGNERS laid into fire-and-rehire tactics at an Institute of Employment Rights fringe at Unison conference on Wednesday.
Richard Arthur, from Thompsons Solicitors, said unilaterally varying terms and conditions “would not reflect well in court cases.”
Mr Arthur explained how P&O’s behaviour was different to fire and rehire, as it was effectively fire and replace.
“If an employer like P&O can save up to break the law, and then say they would do it again, then the fines for breaking redundancy law simply aren’t high enough and should be more punitive,” he added.
Tony Barnsley spoke of the recent fire-and-rehire dispute at Sandwell Trust, where he is the branch secretary.
Mr Barnsley said: “Sandwell councillors offered the trust over £100,000 to make sure that staff pay and conditions were protected, but the trust still decided to implement the cuts.”
After five days of strike action, the employer dropped their plans.
The fringe heard contributions from the floor about the impact of the raft of new Tory laws, including the Police, Crime Courts and Sentencing Act, and the proposed Public Order Act.
Delegates also expressed fears about the criminalisation of pickets during disputes.
