P&O Ferries is not going to face legal proceedings for firing virtually 800 staff earlier this 12 months, the Insolvency Service has decided.
The firm induced outrage and was hauled in entrance of MPs to reply questions in March when it sacked lots of of staff with out discover.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng requested the Insolvency Service to analyze whether or not any offences had been dedicated.
But the federal government company mentioned in a press release it had decided there was “no realistic prospect of a conviction”.
A spokesperson mentioned: “After a full and robust criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the employees who were made redundant by P&O Ferries, we have concluded that we will not commence criminal proceedings.”
A civil investigation is ongoing.
Nautilus International, a union representing maritime professionals, mentioned the Insolvency Service’s resolution will likely be a blow to the “discarded” staff.
General secretary Mark Dickinson mentioned: “This is a deeply disappointing decision and will be met with frustration and anger by the 786 seafarers and their families who were so cruelly discarded by P&O Ferries.
“Only sooner or later after P&O Ferries mum or dad firm introduced document income, making the corporate’s claims on operational sustainability questionable, we’re additional let down by a system that fails to punish obvious legal corporatism.
“The message is clear, P&O Ferries must be held properly accountable for their disgraceful actions and we will continue the campaign to ensure that the CEO and his fellow directors are held to account and to make certain this can never happen again.”
During hearings in Parliament the enterprise admitted it had damaged the regulation that will have pressured them to present discover of the firings.
At the time bosses mentioned this was as a result of no unions would have accepted the brand new proposals.
A authorities spokesperson instructed the BBC: “In sacking 800 dedicated staff on the spot, P&O Ferries not only acted callously but failed to uphold the high standards we expect of British businesses.
“Given their appalling behaviour, it’s extremely disappointing that the corporate is not going to face legal proceedings.”
It comes after transport secretary warned the company would have “no alternative in regulation” however to pay crew members the minimal wage after the agency’s proprietor reported document income following the mass sacking.
Issuing the ultimatum, Grant Shapps mentioned the corporate will likely be pressured to again down and so ought to make the change now, earlier than repeating his demand for P&O boss Peter Hebblethwaite to stop.
Source: information.sky.com”