DPW-P&O FERRIES: WHAT CODE OF ETHICS?

DP World, owner of P&O Ferries, has gone to the trouble of publishing an eight-page document on its Code of Ethics, the openings words of which state: “DP World’s intention is to create a culture of honesty and openness…”

Tell that to the 800 seafarers employed by P&O Ferries who were summarily dismissed on Thursday 17 March. Such was the peremptory manner of their dismissal it has unleashed a firestorm of criticism which has even drawn a stinging rebuke from the Archbishop Canterbury, Head of the Church of England, who described the action as “inhumane and unethical.” It seems senior management within DPW are not reading from their own manual!

The DPW Code of Ethics states that its purpose is to: “set common behavioural standards for all DP World employees who must always:

(a) Act with integrity and in an ethical manner;

(b) Work in a professional manner and encourage others to do so;

(c) Conduct all activities with reasonable care and professional judgement; and

(d) Adhere to the local laws and regulations and the basic standards of behaviour in the country or region(s) in which they are based.”

It’s fair to say that in all four respects DPW, who as the parent company of P&O Ferries must have been cognizant of the planned action, fails miserably when judged by the standards set in its own ‘rule book.” Theory definitely does not go into practice…

Taking a more practical view, as put to me by one shipping sector commentator, “my nine year old could have done better.”

The seriousness of the situation should not be underestimated. The view is put that P&O Ferries may have breached UK law in its attempt to dismiss its workforce and replace it with cheaper agency workers from outside the UK, arranged via a Malta-based company, International Ferry Management incorporated in Valetta on 11 February.

Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Business Secretary, has written to the company stating it could face an unlimited fine if its actions are found to have breached UK law. He further highlighted the UK government’s “anger and disappointment” at the action and pointed out the company has been the recipient of significant taxpayer support including through the furlough scheme arranged to provide support under Covid conditions. Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has also pushed back underlining, in a separate communication, that he intends to review all government contracts with the company and that checks would be implemented to ensure the safety of the eight vessels under the control of new agency staff.

Associated seafarer unions and the ITF are also up in arms and reportedly preparing legal action. Demonstrations have been arranged at DPW’s UK Head Office and at ports around the UK. The action has made national prime time news and sparked a widespread public outcry.

No one disputes the fact that if, as the company says, it is losing around GBP100 million a year corrective action has to be taken but clearly this is an ill-conceived and completely insensitive plan.

The overall conclusion is that DPW’s Code of Ethics exists more for show than to be taken seriously. It hasn’t even been paid lip service in this latest fiasco.