What's happened
P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite has admitted that some workers are paid as little as £4.87 per hour, sparking outrage. This revelation comes two years after the company sacked 786 UK-based workers and replaced them with lower-paid agency staff. The CEO's acknowledgment has reignited scrutiny over the treatment of workers in the maritime industry.
Why it matters
The admission by P&O Ferries' CEO of shockingly low wages for workers has reignited public outrage and scrutiny over the treatment of employees in the maritime industry. This revelation underscores the ongoing debate around workers' rights, fair wages, and corporate responsibility, prompting calls for greater accountability and fair treatment of employees.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the CEO's admission of low wages and the ongoing scrutiny over workers' rights. The Scotsman emphasizes the stark contrast between the CEO's salary and the low wages of P&O Ferries workers. Sky News focuses on the CEO's acknowledgment of the wage disparity and the criticism faced by the company.
How we got here
Two years ago, P&O Ferries faced backlash for abruptly sacking nearly 800 workers and replacing them with lower-paid agency staff. The recent revelations during a hearing at the Commons' Business and Trade Committee have brought renewed attention to the company's labor practices and the treatment of its workers.
Common question
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Peter Hebblethwaite was a British Jesuit priest and writer. After leaving the priesthood, he became an editor, journalist and biographer.
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