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TUC CONGRESS 2021 Disabled worker subjected to fire-and-rehire tells delegates how practice ‘wrecks lives’

A DISABLED worker subjected to fire and rehire felt “betrayed and humiliated” by bosses and feared for his health, TUC Congress heard today.

GMB member Dean Ismay, one of thousands of Asda supermarket workers forced to sign a detrimental new contract,  said the practice “wrecks lives.”

Despite condemning the bosses’ underhand tactic, Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson is yet to take action. 

Addressing delegates virtually, Mr Ismay said: “Fire and rehire is a dirty, bullying tactic. [It] must be consigned to the dustbin of history where it belongs. 

“We need this government to do what they have so far refused to: listen to the people and end this Victorian working practice for good.”

TUC young workers’ forum chair Alex Graham called for support for Labour MP Barry Gardiner’s private member’s Bill to end fire and rehire, warning that it affects a fifth of young workers. 

A composite motion from GMB, Unite and retail union Usdaw to outlaw the tactic was passed without opposition by delegates today.

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