Summary
Peter Hebblethwaite, the chief executive of P&O Ferries, has resigned after being involved in a widely criticized event where the company laid off 800 workers in 2022. He admitted to breaking UK employment laws during the layoffs, which led to public protests and government action. Hebblethwaite cited family reasons for his resignation, as P&O Ferries acknowledged his efforts during his time with the company.
Key Facts
- Peter Hebblethwaite was the chief executive of P&O Ferries.
- In March 2022, P&O Ferries replaced 800 employees with cheaper agency workers.
- This action caused public outrage and led to protests in various cities.
- Hebblethwaite admitted the layoffs violated UK employment laws.
- He resigned to focus more on family, according to a company statement.
- Government introduced new laws to prevent similar mass layoffs.
- Under his leadership, P&O launched hybrid ferries and managed challenges like COVID-19.
- Hebblethwaite was previously an executive at J Sainsbury, Greene King, and Alliance Unichem.
