What's happened
P&O Ferries faces scrutiny for paying maritime workers below the UK minimum wage, leading to the boss being called to give evidence to MPs. France has responded by implementing a new minimum wage law for cross-Channel operators after the P&O Ferries scandal.
Why it matters
The scrutiny of P&O Ferries for paying maritime workers below the UK minimum wage highlights ongoing issues of worker exploitation and the need for stronger regulations to protect employees in the maritime industry. France's implementation of a new minimum wage law sets a precedent for other countries to address similar labor rights violations.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports on the UK government's examination of P&O Ferries for paying workers below the minimum wage, while also highlighting France's response with a new minimum wage law for cross-Channel operators. Sky News covers campaigners and MPs calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the Loan Charge scandal, accusing HMRC of harsh tax crackdowns linked to suicides.
How we got here
P&O Ferries controversially replaced 786 employees with low-paid agency workers in 2022, leading to ongoing scrutiny over their labor practices. The UK government promised to close loopholes allowing ferry companies to pay below the minimum wage two years ago, but legal issues persist. France's new minimum wage law for cross-Channel operators follows the P&O Ferries scandal and aims to prevent worker exploitation.
Common question
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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P&O Ferries is a British shipping company that operates ferries from the United Kingdom to Ireland and Continental Europe. It was formed following the purchase of P&O by DP World.
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Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is a non-ministerial department of the UK Government responsible for the collection of taxes, the payment of some forms of state support and the administration of other regulatory regimes including the national minimum wa