Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts

Tuesday 9th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mick Whitley (Birkenhead) (Lab)]

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the use of dismiss and re-engage tactics by employers.

[Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)]

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the use of dismiss and re-engage tactics by employers.

--- Later in debate ---

[Amanda Solloway]

As previously mentioned, the Department has engaged ACAS to hold discussions to generate valuable evidence about the use of fire and rehire. The Government will communicate our response to the evidence in due course.

[Andrew Gwynne [V]]

Warm words from the Minister, but fire and rehire is an outrageous tactic that is sadly growing in popularity. The latest large company to jump on the bandwagon is Tesco, where staff at the Livingston depot are facing pay cuts of between £4,000 and £13,000 a year—this while profits are soaring thanks to these same essential workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep families fed. When will the Government do what it takes to stop Tesco and other rogue bosses ripping off their workers? Or will they just wring their hands and wait for a report that they will simply ignore? We want action, Minister.

[Amanda Solloway]

Having worked for a retailer—Sainsbury’s—for 13 years, I would like to acknowledge the hard work that we know all the people in retail do. However, I reiterate that the Department engaged ACAS to hold discussions in order to generate valuable evidence on the use of fire and rehire.