Oral Answers to Questions

Grahame Morris Excerpts

Tuesday 25th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Judith Cummins (Bradford South) (Lab)]

When his Department plans to publish the ACAS report on fire and rehire and the Government’s response to that report.

[Grahame Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

When his Department plans to publish the ACAS report on fire and rehire and the Government’s response to that report.

[James Murray (Ealing North) (Lab/Co-op)]

When his Department plans to publish the ACAS report on fire and rehire and the Government’s response to that report.

--- Later in debate ---

[Paul Scully]

I congratulate the Bradford Bulls on their return.

We have always been clear that using the threats of fire and rehire as a tactic to put undue pressure on workers during negotiations is completely unacceptable, but we need to tread carefully when considering Government intervention in commercial contractual matters between employers and employees. That is why we are now carefully considering, with the evidence, our next steps.

[Grahame Morris]

May I first congratulate members of my union, Unite, at Go North West buses in Manchester who, after an incredible 85 days of continuous strike action, have now won a landmark victory against appalling fire and rehire abuses? My question to the Minister is straightforward: does he condemn rogue bosses such as Go North West or coffee producers Jacobs Douwe Egberts, which, despite record profits during lockdown, has provoked strike action by firing and rehiring more than 300 loyal staff on worse pay and conditions? Will the Minister wake up, smell the coffee and agree that this disgraceful behaviour leaves a bitter taste in the mouth?

[Paul Scully]

I see what the hon. Gentleman has done there. His coffee-based puns belie the fact that this is an incredibly serious situation. As I was saying, if those companies or any others are using such a practice for bully-boy tactics, that is completely unacceptable. We need to look at the evidence before we intervene on the flexibility of the workforce, but clearly we do not want bully-boy tactics to be used for negotiations.