A Greater Manchester MP has condemned a Rochdale-based company in Parliament for trying to reduce workers’ pay just before Christmas using controversial employment tactics.
Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, has criticised local company Tetrosyl for attempting to use ‘fire and rehire’ practices shortly before legislation to ban the approach is due to take effect.
Raising the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions, the Labour MP described the move as “unethical and cynical”, claiming it would leave some employees up to £7,000 worse off per year.
‘Fire and rehire’ refers to a process where employers dismiss workers and offer to rehire them on new contracts with lower pay or worse conditions. The practice remains legal in the UK but has faced widespread opposition from trade unions and politicians.
During the exchange, Labour leader Keir Starmer confirmed the Government will outlaw the tactic in its upcoming Employment Rights Bill.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Blundell said: “Trying to squeeze these employees into reduced pay before Christmas, and before it is made illegal, is a cynical and disgusting way for any company to behave. I have been speaking to my constituents who work at the company and have promised to stand with them, and their union USDAW.”
She added that she has been personally contacting affected staff to hear their stories and criticised the move for adding extra “worry and stress” to families over the festive period.
Trade union USDAW has secured a strike mandate in response to the proposed changes, with 94 per cent of workers at the Castleton distribution centre voting in favour of industrial action. Strikes are expected to take place in December.
Tetrosyl is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of car care products. The company has not yet issued a public response to the claims.
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