'Are you just a shameless criminal?': P&O boss grilled over mass sackings

[@guardiannews]

UK politics: latest updates ► www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/mar/24/rishi-sunak-says-he-cant-make-every-problem-go-away-after-criticism-of-spring-statement-uk-politics-live P&O Ferries should have consulted sacked staff but chose not to, boss admits ► www.theguardian.com/business/2022/mar/24/po-ferries-boss-says-800-staff-were-sacked-because-no-union-would-accepts-its-plans

[@phoenixzappa7366]

5.50 an hour. Get f**ked

[@phoenixzappa7366]

@Spitfire Hunter Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@mikeoxlong4110]

Doris Nonsense & his Terrorist Government to blame!

[@jodyqt]

@Spitfire Hunter nothing wrong with letting people be free to negotiate for themselves. Live and let live

[@jodyqt]

@Spitfire Hunter rice is 0.41p per 2000 calories Kirkland water is 0.70p per litre a human can survive on two litres of water and 2000 calories a day. That’s a total of £2.11 so work for 1.5 hrs a day at £1.80 per hour and chill out the rest of the day you have survived and saved 0.59p. it’s pretty basic economics don’t know why you could not work that out for yourself

[@gmf121266]

It's quite clear. A company that refuses to pay national minimum wage should not be in business. Full stop.

[@kynchan3332]

Minimum wage is nice. But most small company owners don't even pay themselves that. Closing down would mean unemployment.

[@gmf121266]

@@kynchan3332 I'm sorry but I don't go along with this small business argument. I've heard it so many times. If your business is so small that you cannot even pay yourself min wage then I would argue that you are flogging a dead horse. For pitys sake and your own sanity give it up. Do something that makes a decent wage.

[@kynchan3332]

​@@gmf121266 For the hours worked, which are considerable, it is below minimum wage. There are also not the reliable employers to provide enough hours in the local vicinity. So a nice compromise is to minimize the cost of living, which is possible with some waste land ownership to provide many of the essentials and generally doing without the niceties. But if you look at inflation, most work does not keep up with it. But the yard, land and buildings have appreciated far faster than the hourly rate and from that it is possible to borrow against those assets to acquire other unattractive assets, that with some work will also appreciate faster than most wages and provide some production in the process to keep going.

[@gmf121266]

@Marvi Wilson Well sorry but I think that stinks considering how much the management is paying itself from the companies profits. OK so it's not illegal but it is morally unjustifiable.

[@kynchan3332]

@Marvi Wilson The employees might get free accommodation, food, medical care and qualify for tax relief - Seafarers Earnings Deduction - to make up for what would be the minimum wage.

[@Yamthief]

He has stated that £5.50 is the *average* hourly salary. That means there are going to be people who are being paid below that. That's insane.

[@ruzziasht349]

His salary, and his cronies at £300k probably pushed that average up somewhat!

[@JackNormalMemes]

pay goes as low as £2 an hour

[@gsmith7015]

Is that £5.50 what P and O will be paying the agency or is that what the new staff will get themselves?

[@jimmyormerod4075]

dont like the pay dont work there simple

[@scotthopkins7711]

@@jimmyormerod4075 no they have to be paying the National Minimum Wage

[@funster73mcr2]

CEO's who openly admit to breaking the law should be arrested and charged like any normal person would be.

[@isaacdalziel5772]

And those who don’t freely admit it should be found innocent or guilty by the courts - with a punishment that is more than an easily paid fine.

[@maigepresents5840]

If the penalty for a crime is a fine, that law only exists for the lower classes

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

@@maigepresents5840 The CEO is an employee of the company, acting on it's behalf, so it can only be a fine. However his tenure as CEO may now be short lived.

[@worldtvinternational]

All of the directors of this company should be banned for ever holding any directorships in the UK forever.

[@Skyphide]

no he shouldnt

[@durianriders]

RIP P&O brand reputation

[@britishmick]

This is characteristic of the narcissistic traits that sadly “most” CEO’s MD’s and general managers display on a daily basis, they only feel sorry for themselves and are only concerned that “they” have been taken to task… the workers are nothing but a side note, I’ve seen it with every employer I’ve worked for, ppls wellbeing doesn’t earn money therefore does not concern the hierarchy.

[@fuckedupbody4194]

It's not surprising even if you looked at from a psychological side. There was a guy on the Joe Rogan podcast that interviewed (I think he did the interviewing or read up on it) over a hundred ceos, ceos of multimillion or multi billion companies and he found out that over 90% of the interviewed ceos showcase psychopathic tendencies or characteristics. And when you read up on the characteristics of psychopaths, it falls in line with what CEOs basically are doing in their day to day lives.

[@georgeousthegorgeous]

absolutely and everybody would behave the same way

[@simisola4280]

@@georgeousthegorgeous oh that makes it ok then but you are wrong my son has started his own business and has deliberately opted for any profits over a certain amount going to charity

[@amerl6633]

Dont be silly, employees wellbeing? what's that, its only important if the employer is sick. and then there is febricity is only for employees for follow, employers don't need to be flexible.

[@cmasseylynch]

spot on mate

[@xena2559]

I've seen it happen over and over again with many companies. Greed, lack of investment, scrounging on people for years. Companies go bust, CEOs go rich and often start a business again to go thru the same cycle.

[@catalinacurio]

I’ve never forgiven Dyson, he shat on the people who made him.

[@exbritishforcespatriotscha7723]

Yes CEOS go from one company to another..

[@Skalgrim]

I’m sorry but if the Trade Unions aren’t willing to concede on anything and cooperate with a corporation then the only solution is firing

[@casperwallace9685]

and NDA are gagging orders - which should be against the law. They will be telling those people, this is your redundancy amount XYZ, But if you sign this NDA the amount will increased by XYZ. People with no job no finances and probably no savings will sign. Its a legal gagging order and it should be abolished for emotional blackmail.

[@justno808]

@@Skalgrim Why should the trade union accept changes that would make their members work for under the NMW? They committed multiple crimes here, including Discrimination, by firing a majority British Staff and instead hiring staff from India for under £1.80 per hour, and some from Mainland Europe at £3 per hour. It is abhorrent business management that leads to these issues. P&O received over £1bn in Furlough along with Business Assistance and access to Loans. They chose to spend that money frivolously. Can't go for the neck of the Unions on this one im afraid.

[@jakebe4915]

And I thought Bankers were vile. This CEO takes the prize. Laying off 800 people in a Zoom meeting while collecting a million pounds with bonus etc. Awful!

[@jeddaniels2283]

Sadly this is not the first time. Look up zoom sackings. Some are trying to make it the new norm...

[@Vhlathanosh]

American CEOs' greed slowly spreading.

[@movesky6696]

just use a zoom call lay off working people

[@ashwilliams4959]

Think of how they've helped the UK government f**k the entire country by causing thus distraction

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

When large amounts of money are at stake even the nicest people can become vile.

[@jwdsnapper]

It seems to me , people in power seem to get away with apologies , yet the ordinary man in the street would be straight to jail.

[@elvissimpson9060]

It's not even a sincere apology

[@unemployedingreenland9358]

Ohhh ya don’t say??? Lol Been this way for THOUSANDS of years and it will continue this way until the human race ends in the next 100 years.

[@levbronstein-red]

And the ordinary man in the street will vote for the people in power that do all this to him. So who is really at fault here?

[@Tarnatos14]

@@levbronstein-red They vote false, and the become also the same if the get power. Every ordinary man can become a man with power and will moste likley change, the problem is thats just the nature of power (more or less)

[@Lord.Smith.the.first.]

Like will smith beating comedian

[@_shumba]

I see how the Guardian smartly made the *main* video "5:50" long in line with the wage the P&O is trying to pay their staff. Unfortunately this is how vile some people are within the corporate world and unless the toxic culture of companies is tackled through intense vetting for those in leadership positions, this will persist.

[@briancohenthepfjmassive.4769]

Turns out 5.50 was a typo. It should have been 5.15.

[@trevorsmith470]

"There's no way what we did could be legal, so we opted to adopt an alternative legal framework."

[@cassandratq9301]

Exactly!

[@Jess-T]

P&O have destroyed their brand. How can they take care of customers if they refuse to take care of their staff.

[@celticcheetah6371]

Agreed - I doubt they'll have many customers now. I certainly won't be getting on one of their boats any time soon. Other ferry companies are available.

[@johnfrancis2215]

@@celticcheetah6371 nor me

[@domoreilly5147]

@@celticcheetah6371 Same here. I've been on a few P&IO ferries in the past and the staff were always great.

[@Byley-e7h]

P&O for me are as dirty word in the same way I regard Russia.

[@johnfrancis2215]

@@Byley-e7h funny that's how I think of America

[@redmed10]

Always makes me laugh when you get interviewed for a job at companies you are asked why you want to work for this company just saying " for the money" is not considered an acceptable answer.

[@ArunPlaysPiano]

that's because it's presumed

[@edgarkeisi]

It is not acceptable for the regular interviewed. It is acceptable for those who never have to go through the interviewing process, they are simply offered the job in a way is hard to refuse. There's the hammer and there are the nails...

[@2adamast]

Indeed, it's very professional, but not accepted nevertheless

[@roberttrim9]

Any interviewer worth their salt would accept that as an adequate answer for "regular" employment, ie not CFO MD or some other high ranking position in a company. A person wants to work in exchange for money, big surprise, review their competency & personality/fit with the business

[@mbrp5107]

Because other company also offers money in exchange for labour. If it is only money you chase, why don't you just apply at other company? After all, they also offer money.

[@Spedley_2142]

No, we didn't consult the Unions because we know what the fine is for not doing that and it's worth it.

[@harrisonbates559]

Exactly. It’s horrendous.

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

"And now I got a nice suit I got a nice car It's been a nice day Don't tell me that crime don't pay Okay " Joe Jackson

[@redstoneddad3981]

Fines must be increased to the level that just paying the fines isn't cheaper than doing the legal required things.

[@troyhowling2497]

Exactly!!

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@troyhowling2497 A spell in chokey for the directors might focus their minds on abiding by the rules.

[@chichichi998]

"Are you in this mess because you don't know what you're doing or are you just a shameless criminal?" LOLOL

[@arbeione]

I feel so sorry for the people and families affected. Shocking way to handle business.

[@r8chlletters]

It’s always revealing to see these “top men” forced to be publicly questioned…they have absolutely no remorse and no moral compass. Laws must be made that prevent business criminality.

[@paulhope3401]

Psychologists say that most of people in these top jobs are psycopaths/sociopaths, and it's entirely believable.

[@ennesshay5040]

the 47 second video ''THE CORPORATION (6/23) The Pathology of Commerce.''

[@William-Morey-Baker]

laws need to be passed to stop the criminality of the government first, but you see the conflict of interest there? its never going to happen under a conservative government...

[@dublindutch6346]

@@paulhope3401 they are, it is known as a high functioning psycopath. Not physically violent perse, but a great hunger for power. You see these people a lot in political positions as well. Their inabillity to form proper emotional feelings such as remorse, shame or pity etc means that they have a clear advantage when it comes to position of power.

[@nejuw]

and useless and unworthy of ridiculous salaries.

[@snafufubar]

No government contracts. Maximum court appearances. If I was employed by this company I would leave as fast as I could. They have shown how valuable their staff are.

[@selwynowen6213]

I’ve always said that your only a number and a hindrance to your employers

[@chapelsub62]

@@selwynowen6213 Your Right On That One , Just A Number & Nothing Else

[@jessicarabbit1138]

Or move to France or Holland where all P&O workers are protected by EU minimum wage laws and are still employed!

[@TheMuzikall]

Well blame the people that voted for Brexit....the Ferries are empty...Brexit reduced volume of passengers then Covid killed it off....these guys are Business men..not Social Workers...

[@selwynowen6213]

@@TheMuzikall after Brexit the ferries between Ireland and the UK were always very busy. But it was the COVID lockdown was the killer for the ferry companies, as all movement was restricted by it.

[@nimuehstorm]

My blood is boiling watching this. The arrogance of this CEO is beyond breathtaking and this sham of a firm clearly don't care for the lives they've wrecked over this.

[@crumpetsbuttered]

Agree, and I hope there is a legal recourse.

[@LambsyLamb]

Aren't you glad we left the EU? Zero workers protections!

[@colinomalley4730]

Absolutely beyond belief that they could think this was correct !!!

[@LambsyLamb]

I actually predicted workers rights were gonna take a hit when we left the EU! What was it I said at the time? I'd rather be ruled over by bureaucrats in Brussels who make laws that apply to 27 EU nations than by the criminals in Parliament who are only interested in enriching themselves at the cost of the poorest in society!

[@sjeb1967]

Is he meant to run the company into the ground then say oh sorry lost ya job 🤔🤔🤦🤦🤦

[@vincent-lr6io]

after all this he still cant say NO to his bonus!!!

[@amirdiabe]

This is why you want to have a unionised work force, so you can fight when companies try pulling stunts like this. People often complain about Underground staff/TfL staff for going on strikes, but it's their strikes that have protected their work conditions. It seems to be an ever growing trend for most companies to try get labour on the cheap. Teachers, Nurses, Retail workers, etc etc all need to fight for better rights.

[@aconcernedcitizen6056]

@@lollateng191 An incredibly simplistic way of thinking there buddy

[@katamed5205]

@@lollateng191 not everyone has the luxury of choice

[@mauricepaul9036]

Hey Abdul, better focus on your poverty infested beggary country

[@georgeousthegorgeous]

@@aconcernedcitizen6056 indians would be happy to take you job for 2x the wage less. why should I hire you?

[@falloodaboy]

@@georgeousthegorgeous because he isn't paying taxes in the uk (assuming you are talking about offshoring). The myopic greed of people like you will inevitably lead to the uk becoming an oligarchic nightmare.

[@jimmysunday124]

Chief Executive OFFENDER!! Shameless Criminal

[@movesky6696]

i agree with that

[@Tocsin-Bang]

P&O should lose their right to dock in the UK.

[@hywodnsu]

You would like to think that not a decent minded person in the UK would ever book anything through P&O ever again and drive this abhorrent company from our waters.

[@darthwiizius]

We used to have a main public ferry provider called "Sealink" until Maggies Thatch "sold" it off to P&O for a fraction of it's value. Having used both before the give away of billions of Pounds of nationally tax financed assets P&O were the rusty scrap metal barely sea worthy boats where Sealink had the nice properly maintained vessels.

[@jackwex]

@@darthwiizius hi, it was sold to Sea Containers then to Stena, so company is still trading well. P&O had nothing to do with it.

[@angusclark5404]

Yes

[@jodyqt]

@@darthwiizius and you paid more out of your taxes for it thatcher was for freedom freedom to trade freedom from overbearing taxes she saved people from paying for something they didn’t need

[@pato1541]

@@jodyqt thatcher was an unabashedly racist woman who should not be praised in her death. she made interesting strides in the economic sector but thatcherism is indirectly responsible for the above issue.

[@cherylrowlands4998]

He's on over 300k pa and expecting workers to live on less than Minimum Wage, constantly hiding behind international exchange rates. Despicable man and a despicable company.

[@aesclap21]

Wow. The audacity with which those P&O officials try to excuse their deeply immoral and apparently criminal behavior… is just astounding 🙈

[@pweekeswiggy]

Great points made by the committee. P&O should be ashamed of what they've done.

[@vfta7906]

News flash they are not.

[@MandoMTL]

Haha! They'll take that shame and have a cry on their beds full of money.

[@petercrane2065]

No, they should not be ashamed, They should be put out of business and all levels of management should be tried for crimes against their staff!

[@sevenscounty409]

But what if the company went under, would those 800 sacked staff worked for free until the business got back to its feet? Or they'll just have walked away and left p&o on its own devices?

[@jodyqt]

They should be proud they are saving money when I go buy a cheap ferry ticket and save money I’m also proud so it’s a win win

[@catalinamariutei883]

If they dont have to offer the minimum UK legal wage why they are allowed to operate anymore in UK?

[@georgericher3996]

Basic salary 350k not including bonuses yet wants to pay his staff 1.80£ per hour ? If the company isn't sustainable then resign

[@owenhoong88]

5.50

[@chrisoverson]

@@owenhoong88 5.50 was the average, not the lowest

[@davidphan100]

£350k is low for a CEO

[@Undisputed_King]

@@davidphan100 millions in bonuses

[@rdouthwaite]

@@davidphan100 £359k basic before bonuses.

[@melvynparkerson9984]

No one was prosecuted !

[@rowancrew2934]

There is plenty of space for a man of his character and integrity on the Tory front bench,he would fit in very well.

[@LordOfLight]

"Are you just a shameless criminal?"....😂😂😂😂

[@kellyfairholm]

A career psychopath!

[@beemore18]

It's hilarious, because the only other option was an incompetent CEO.

[@billgowland3250]

Can I start with an apology. NO. You can start by explaining your actions .

[@mylittlemaya6132]

A CEO getting over £350,000 pa and expects workers to live on £5.50 sn hour...he ought to be incarcerated in a prison cell on bread and water...the despicable creep ..

[@user-Rocket-Fest]

lol P&O sack 800 staff and employ 5 Quid labour but their fares are exactly the same, GREED!!

[@vo4068]

Tell all your customers not to use P&O!

[@jimbim4405]

This HAS to be the very first time these MPs have done what they were elected for. Great work - even if it doesn't balance-out the injustice

[@kenwilliams7597]

They should ban P&O from docking in the UK.

[@RhysPitman94]

@Marvi Wilson The Government can change it's laws.

[@stetomlinson3146]

@Marvi Wilson This govt can and has done! It’s not that long ago that the CEO of the govt was lying and obfuscating about whether he and his staff had done exactly that!

[@vickyserr]

@Marvi Wilson really?? I thought Boris and his cronies did that during the lockdown of Covid

[@carla.n.5078]

Just casually sacking 800 employees and just press restart on the whole thing, just to repeat that evil cycle.

[@bethmcintyre375]

350k annually and access to 2 bonuses....shocking

[@willycanuck]

I think a more accurate question would be "Do you actually have any control of your company or are you just a figurehead?"

[@ebrahimkarolia4812]

He doesn't have any control. People with control are in Dubai.

[@jonmassey8124]

The brazenness of these lowlifes is incredible... they actually admit all the crimes they have committed but are still happy to dismiss 800 staff just like that knowing fully that its illegal!!

[@debb6393]

Yes and then ummm and ahhh as to whether he’ll take his bonus! Beggars belief.

[@AJ-zx8by]

Reminds me of that Penelope woman who stabbed her husband and demonstrated some odd egotistical defiance when confronted with what she had done.

[@yt_nh9347]

Cruise ship companies have made massive losses with COVID, obviously that would mean job cuts to the lower skilled since there is less demand for cruises and thus the manual labor hours that go with it. Not sure why everyone is upset

[@AJ-zx8by]

@@yt_nh9347 .................what?

[@treeman5274]

'You can't just absent yourself from the laws of the UK'. It's cheaper. Watch us.

[@Jez1963UK]

And what he doesn't make clear in this clip is that £5.50 is actually the pay you get when you do all the guaranteed overtime and other work related requirements. The BASIC is actually 'around' £2.86 and hour.......

[@c0rn15hman3]

I can’t believe he even held this position within P&O. I worked under him at Greene King and he wasn’t qualified for that job. Awful boss

[@davidangry8785]

He intentionally broke laws ! He should be held in custody and possibly imprisoned after a trial, corporate misconduct should not be used as a defence, he is top of the pile so he personally should be held responsible !

[@vanpallandt5799]

Why in custody..there is a presumptive right to bail in UK

[@dinooldman6671]

Yeh, except the penalty is a fine.

[@rdouthwaite]

@@vanpallandt5799 I'd suggest he's a flight risk.

[@netecrivernetecassassins2945]

@@rdouthwaite definitely a boat risk

[@vanpallandt5799]

@@rdouthwaite why

[@dcross8382]

It's time to start dismantling corporations and sending these slimy ghouls to prison.

[@chavbristol2793]

He said 5.50 is the average! The average! You can imagine where the lowest wage is. It's a shame, these men are criminals.

[@RealityDysfunction]

1.80 is the lowest wage.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

@@RealityDysfunction Exactly; I came here to make the same comment...

[@simonhughes7034]

P&O should not be allowed to dock in British ports because they don’t abide by British law. They should not be allowed anywhere near a port until the abide by the laws of the country !!!

[@KerrBearrxo]

I'll never book via P&O again out of disgust for treating their staff like this. Unfortunatley this happens a lot just cause P&O are big they got caught but there's loads of smaller businesses that do it regularly and get away with it

[@gazzasal9724]

Absolute disgrace!

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

It's business, people are just another resource, thats why companies have Human Resources Departments.

[@jeromebano1125]

He is like a "soap opera villain"

[@anthonycanning7062]

Just a criminal lock him up.

[@leroysimon5692]

👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾

[@shangrammohammad8453]

I applaud the governing board with their direct questions to the CEO and leaders of P&O. They went all out as they should. It’s the lives of 800 or so hard working people, we are talking about. £5 something an hour?! Are you blo ody kidding me?

[@dancohen457]

I used to get that in a garden centre when I was 18. I'm 52.

[@Whatshisname346]

Irish ferries did it in the 2000s. Entirely within the law. It’s been happening in the shipping industry for decades. The only way to have a career at sea in Ireland now is to join the Navy.

[@yannsimon7289]

@@Whatshisname346 Now they do it with poles.

[@adamali1384]

I am a frequent traveler on P&O but after the way they behaved I will never use P&O again I hope they go under

[@OriginalMorningStar]

That was brutal, but the same applies to MPs all the way up to and including the PM... Q: Are you incompetent or a criminal? A: Both, actually.

[@S-A-Q]

Sadly none of this will make any difference. Consecutive governments for over 30 years have ignored and at times encouraged this kind of behaviour by businesses. Too many people making too much money at the expense of the working class.

[@ianhandforth5672]

labour let it happen too

[@MsPinkwolf]

@@ianhandforth5672 please expand on that...

[@e575fho]

And part of the problem is the very same working class voting Tory?!

[@stevenhearnden66]

@@MsPinkwolf did you sleep through Tony Blair's Government? 😂

[@MsPinkwolf]

@@stevenhearnden66 I love that you think things are better now. Are YOU asleep?

[@4x4crx]

What people need to understand is that it is the law that lets this happen. Instead of jumping up and down and pontificating just change the law. Every business needs to make profit but they must do so inside the law. Pass a law requiring all ferries docking in the UK to meet UK working and employment legislation.

[@Random3716]

And make the penalty for breaking the law prison time for the executives who made the decision in addition to a fine on the corporation.

[@harleyb7880]

They won't do that tho... Same with large companies that don't pay tax

[@davidwalterhall]

Not quite true in this case though. He's admitting they knowingly broke the law. In this case the law needs to be enforced, not changed. I doubt these jokers will end up behind bars though, which is a shame if only because the lack of a deterrent of that kind is exactly why they were so blasé about doing it in the first place.

[@barnigranero5882]

Not just a ban on docking but also a ban on entering British waters plus confiscation of any assets held in British territory.

[@maigepresents5840]

Pass a law that any vessel operating within English territorial waters must follow all employment laws...

[@stevencole4602]

I'll tell you what they are, they are shameless criminals 100% absolutely disgusting, he deserves prison.

[@alanbower9296]

💯 steven it's pure GREED cheap labour

[@raphaelandrews3617]

For ANYONE watching . NOW you know why trade unions exist and why you need to join one if you work for a large company.

[@user-vh6ts9uf6c]

There is an irony of politicians (usually on a minimum of 80,000) lecturing a slimeball CEO

[@juststuff5216]

... it's very much - The Blind Leading The Blind!

[@Yarenoglu]

The CEO and every member of management involved in this process no matter how big or small the role should be behind bars in prison. Every day they are not is a shame to this country and our values.

[@edwardburroughs1489]

If every failed business resulted in people being locked up then there wouldn't be room in the prisons, I'd be willing to bet many people you know would be 'behind bars'; please keep your authoritarian left wing values to yourself, and don't speak on behalf of the rest of the country.

[@judithmatthews8460]

This country voted for it. Labour had a bill to stop this and the Tory party blocked it. Just this week they abstained to block it again. So if you vote Tory these are the values this country holds. Johnson got a massive endorsement of his policies at the last election. So British people are responsible and this is how they are perceived overseas. Uncaring elitist, arrogant. It is shameful but it's the reality.

[@CommissionerSleer]

@@edwardburroughs1489 Nothing to do with going bust. They broke the law deliberately and without any remorse. Since when did 'obeying the law' become a left-wing authoritarian value? How the right-wing has fallen from any values or credibility. They're nothing but apologists, distractors and chearleaders for corruption these days.

[@scottmcr8018]

Ther all masons.. So they wont lol

[@jodyqt]

Behind bars for what not buying workers time anymore? What happened to freedom? why is it ok for you to shop around for the best price but as soon as someone else dose it they should be behind bars? You’re a hypocrite

[@realmwatters2977]

My Response would be all those who replaced employees with P&O ferries are here by refused entry into UK.

[@Msdinomite]

Actually all those who are replacing employees are agency staff hired by agencies. They have to have the right to work in the UK, the agency has to check their documents, but with regards to wages P&O gets round it by saying our ships are registered in another country so we abide by their employment laws. Agency staff can be dismissed before 12 weeks is up, so they won't get holiday or sick pay

[@saworth7458]

BP have been changing there ships from UK staff to Indian/Pilipino staff for cheap labour for years now but yet no one from UK government has stopped this

[@nikthegreek69]

Why didn't we question the governments like this about the vaccines?

[@lazslostpierre9951]

He broke the law in a limited and specific way, lessons learnt from the UK government.

[@bigkdog5091]

This guy is probably going to get rewarded with a seat in the house of Lords or a knighthood The tories thinking "why didn't we think of that? This guy is s genius."

[@corvus1238]

Right on the button with that one!

[@HostileButHonourable]

It beggars belief. But it's true.

[@christhomas5353]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@catalinacurio]

Take P&O off! Replace it with a new company!!!

[@mentalyorky7238]

Pretty much sums up the country as a whole tbh . Look at the shame of working people having to go to food banks . Honestly I've given up on humanity .

[@paulmcdonough1093]

i agree

[@dashcammalaysia1748]

Agree

[@georgeousthegorgeous]

workers pay for their stupidity, lack of education and useless morals. you need to always be the best, always learn and adapt and be able to backstab and do everything for yourself

[@andrewmcgee382]

I have rarely seen a Select Committee so angry, nor such a feeble defence from those appearing before it.

[@Rahila520d]

It's actually laughable that the government are grilling him on his earnings and asking if he is a criminal. There are a vast amount of MPs that need to be asked these very same questions!

[@alerojas2952]

Vast number. At least learn proper English, please.

[@desoliver9712]

A vast number, please learn English. Your argument is a fallacy of whataboutism: _Whataboutism or whataboutery (as in "what about…?") is a variant of the tu quoque logical fallacy, which attempts to discredit an opponent's position by charging hypocrisy without directly refuting or disproving the argument_

[@atomsk1972]

@@desoliver9712 So what is your point? Do not raise the issue of hypocrisy? Remember, we are not in decision making positions, so how is this whataboutism?

[@HYUKLDER1]

In the light of history, it might have been better for P&O to have liquidated their unprofitable business.

[@Hurc7495]

You know unprofitable is a euphemism for not possible to pay the board salaries over 5 figures!

[@jgreen9361]

They can rant at P & O all they like but the clause added to UK law was brought in by Chris Grayling to allow maritime companies operating in UK waters to do this. If you voted for Brexit to free us from Europe, P &O are using one of the freedoms you voted for. The EU parliament is a coalition so tends to protect working class and low paid workers more effectively than a Tory government ever will.

[@Byley-e7h]

This CEO comes across as a truly vile man . Let’s hope P&O go under due to his actions .

[@joshpickles9022]

Yer let's hope everyone else who works at P&O looses their job eh? Seriously, the amount of dumb in this comments section is staggering.

[@Dic-yy1rj]

It was great to see everyone on the committee went right through him!

[@M-LFC491]

SERIOUSLY? Does he honestly think people believe him for one second?

[@redjones8010]

Sounds like they weren't up to the job of running a company. Their stupidity has tainted it.

[@adamwaddoups7811]

Of course he’ll take the bonus

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

I would too.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Hes actually telling UK law makers he chose to break their UK laws - the blatant contempt is astonishing - it seems his alleged risk assessment new staffing regime has not been signed off - sacked staff have to sign a gagging clause to receive their redundancy - he needs to be jailed

[@GoatSays]

The penalty for doing so is probably a fine and therefore these vile creatures saw this as merely a cost of doing business.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

@@GoatSays When he boldly said he would do it again it had to be contempt of Parliament - now the coast guard have impounded two ferries as unsafe to sail - I suspect they will bring this company to its knees as an example to others if they cant get the 800 jobs back then at least other companies will get the custom and look for more staff

[@stevenharris7788]

Anyone who travels with p and o should be ashamed

[@GeirGunnarss]

I hate, HATE that companies look at a legally required minimum wage as the wage to be aimed for instead of what it is, the very bottom of the barrel.

[@davidpenney1273]

Will never travel on a p&o ship ever again cant see the French putting up with it on Brittany ferries

[@padwah]

Same here

[@caroldaniels5505]

I actually can’t believe that people have the AUDACITY to go to a hearing and speak the way these liars did 🤷‍♀️

[@garylake1676]

It is hard to find any kind words to describe this heinous behaviour, but I will give the CEO his due, he did not try to wriggle out of the questions, at least he was honest.

[@fredatlas4396]

They speak that way because they can, they did what they did because they know they can get away with it

[@ianhandforth5672]

they earn a lot of money ,,and dont care,,

[@garylake1676]

@@ianhandforth5672 I am not sure he 'earns' that money, he is paid to deliver orders.

[@markescartin1915]

It's business nothing more! The political framework needed to be responsive and flexible enough to have foreseen such an eventuality. This what happens when the poltical class is self-absorbed and heedless of the concerns regarding the working class.

[@hashbrown777]

Idk why the MP didn't pick up on this, but the COO complained "I never said we don't regret, dont [falsely] report we don't regret" and when offered a chance to he merely said "we acknowledge the suffering"... that's not regret. Pity that wasn't pushed

[@greenawayr08]

Not sure a companies false comforts are the most pressing matter here tbh. But it's just another example of this sham.

[@roboguard96]

If he was in person I think they would have done

[@robertkeates6123]

This is another big scandal. How much does he get paid. This bloke has an answer for everything. Needs to be prosecuted.

[@dodgro8342]

A CEO is basically also an employee who gets appointed by the real owners of the company (the shareholders). So it´s just one employee getting "grilled" for sacking (after an order to do so) hundreds of other employees (with lesser salaries). It´s just for show.

[@eddiemcgrath8536]

never ever use that firm, thats the answer.

[@sirhum]

Vote with your feet - don't use P&O in the future!!

[@selwynowen6213]

He’s apologising because he’s got caught out for breaking the law. This company should have the book chucked at it for blatantly ignoring the law in the way it has acted in this matter. Their license to operate in the British port should be revoked as from this moment. All other ferry companies are going to follow suit. If this company gets away with this unlawful act.

[@nadeemqureshi5030]

"He's got caught out for breaking the law". You misunderstand. He knew full well that he will be facing the consequences for the decisions made. The penalty is a mere 'fine'. Most corporate firms are more than happy to comply.

[@petelock5266]

If I were to admit to breaking the law I would expect to be arrested. The P&O CEO will carry in his extremely well paid job, why can't he be arrested and charged with something. He's admitted breaking the law!

[@worldtvinternational]

"We had to sack these workers or the company will go under" says the guy earning nearly 400k per year plus expenses and the company itself paying massive dividends to its shareholders. Righto.

[@Warmaster_horus]

He should be made to pay the ex employees out of his own salary. 300k and bonuses, and he still fired workers

[@briancarr4607]

P&O TREAT THEIR EMPLOYEES JUST THE SAME AS THE GOVERNMENT DOES TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY WITH UTTER CONTEMPT ?

[@verminafernando2676]

Look at the answers this shameless guy is giving on the board. I tell you this, I will never use P&O Ferries in the future. Broke every employment law in the United Kingdom. This guy's career future and reputation is finished.

[@kev643]

What kind of government elected by the people would let any company off with this?

[@decimal1815]

**Average** rate of pay: £5.50. BBC reported today that the new employees were being paid minimum wage. In reality, they are being paid far below minimum wage.

[@elftax]

The question should have been “as CEO, you have just admitted to breaking the law and did so deliberately, will you and the board be resigning?”

[@azza2473]

This was asked by chairman of the committee. Not shown by the guardian as he's a Tory.

[@johanda2000]

Here we have the architects and builders of The Great Reset justifying their criminality.!!!

[@ronaldellis4662]

👍spot on!

[@bobbyboy6397]

Give his bonus to the sacked staff.

[@johnroche6333]

Why do people still use this company?

[@rogerhawkins6433]

What a disgusting spectacle from a “CEO” on such an obscene salary! Hard to believe he is so entitled!