‘The reward for months of sacrifice cannot be a redundancy notice’ - Sheffield MP criticises ‘fire and rehire’ tactics

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, called out organisations including Sheffield University, British Gas and British Airways.

With Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, she is urging the government to ban the practice.

She said: “Fire and rehire tactics should be illegal. It’s deplorable that businesses are treating their employees with such disregard during a global pandemic when job and financial insecurity is rife.

“Of course, some sectors of the economy were badly hit by the pandemic but workers should not bear the brunt of these difficulties. The reward for months of sacrifice cannot be a redundancy notice.

“The government can help to protect the economy, jobs and incomes by outlawing fire and rehire tactics while also providing targeted support to industries that are struggling the most.”

Sheffield University since withdrew its threat following pressure from staff, unions and MPs.

A spokesperson for the university said: “These measures were only intended to be implemented as a ‘last resort’ but it was important we were transparent with staff about our financial position and began discussions with our trade unions as early as possible.

“We are pleased that, although some uncertainties remain, we are now in a stronger financial position and last month were able to end the consultation around the temporary contract changes.”

British Airways partially backtracked, Ms Haigh said, but British Gas refused to rescind a letter sent to 20,000 employees informing them of intentions to cut jobs - both companies were unavailable for comment.

Sir Starmer said in a speech to the Trades Union Congress last week: "'Fire and rehire' tactics are wrong. They’re against British values. They should also be illegal. These tactics punish good employers. Hit working people hard. And harm our economy.

"After a decade of pay restraint – that’s the last thing working people need. And in the middle of a deep recession – it’s the last thing our economy needs. So, I’m calling on the government to act now. Introduce legislation to end fire and rehire."