A GOVERNMENT move to tackle employers who misuse fire & rehire tactics was dismissed today as “utterly toothless” by a former trade union leader.

Labour peer Tony Woodley, who served as Unite joint general secretary, is seeking to introduce backbench legislation aimed at increasing protection for workers against dismissal and re-engagement on inferior pay and conditions.

It needs government backing in order to become law.

The statutory code of practice for employers is partly in response to the actions of P&O Ferries, which in 2022 sparked outrage when it sacked 786 seafarers without due consultation.

Speaking as the House of Lords debated the ministerial regulations to implement the new rules, Lord Woodley said: “The government’s proposed code of practice is utterly toothless.

“It will do nothing to end the fire & rehire abuses taking place in this country.

“It is clear that this code of practice is a fig leaf to cover the government’s inaction and lack of any real desire to address the shameful practice of fire & rehire.

“It’s simply is not good enough: the working people of our country deserve much better.”

He highlighted how unpopular fire & rehire is, with even 70 per cent of Tory voters wanting the practice ditched.

“But this new code, if anything, actually legitimises this abusive practice and shows bad bosses how to get away with it legally,” Lord Woodley said.

“In my opinion, enough is enough, it is time for change. When will this Tory government finally fight back and stand up for ordinary workers who are being exploited day in, day out?”

He said Labour would take steps to end fire & rehire within the first 100 days of coming to power, adding: “I sincerely hope that that is the case, because working people at the sharp end cannot put up with this any longer. The sooner we get rid of it, the better.”

Responding, Business Minister Lord Offord of Garvel said there was a need to balance “protections for employees with business flexibility,” adding: “This government believe that we must preserve companies’ flexibility to manage their workforce in times of crisis.

“It is, therefore, right that we have mechanisms to enable us to save as many jobs as possible.”