THE United Nations workers’ rights watchdog has rebuked the government over its failures on the P&O Ferries scandal and called for a strengthening of employee protections.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) urged the Tories to increase sanctions for companies that ignore the law and to ensure that workers can get their jobs back.

Nearly 800 seafarers were sacked illegally by the firm last March, with foreign agency staff lined up to take their place.