Banning ‘fire and rehire’ work practices backed by Derry & Strabane Councillors

The proposal also asked Council Officers to bring back a report to the next committee meeting on “how we can exclude businesses that engage in ‘fire and rehire’ practices from relevant procurement” and to invite a representative from UNITE and other trade unions to brief the committee on this practice.

Councillor Doyle said: “One in 10 people over the pandemic have been threatened with or have undergone practices like fire and rehire, especially the young people, especially people who work in personal services.

“We have businesses, some very large businesses, engaging in such practices.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Aileen Mellon seconded the proposal adding: “This is a social justice issue and people’s rights to fair employment and anyone who tries to use any loopholes to undermine people’s rights should be challenged and the loopholes closed.”

All parties gave their support to the motion which passed unanimously.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter