"Peter Hebblethwaite, widely disliked in Britain, departs from P&O"

P&O Ferries CEO Steps Down Amidst Controversy

Peter Hebblethwaite, the CEO of P&O Ferries, has announced his resignation after facing widespread criticism for the mass sackings of nearly 800 workers without consultation earlier this year.

Hebblethwaite, who had been at the helm of the ferry company since 2019, was a high-flyer at firms including Sainsbury's and Greene King before joining P&O Ferries. During his tenure, he navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and introduced the world's first large double-ended hybrid ferries on the Dover-Calais route.

The sacked workers' average pay was £5.50 per hour, which was below the UK's national minimum wage at the time of £9.50 per hour. The mass sackings triggered protests in Dover, Liverpool, and Hull, and drew criticism from politicians and unions. Grant Shapps, the then Transport Secretary, accused P&O Ferries of "acting like pirates of the high sea."

In a hearing before MPs, Hebblethwaite admitted to not consulting with unions over the job losses as required by law. He also apologised for the decision and stated that "we would not make that decision again."

No successor for the CEO position at P&O Ferries has been named yet, with the company indicating an announcement on the new CEO is expected soon. The government has also changed the law to prevent a repeat of the P&O Ferries mass sackings.

P&O Ferries operates on routes between the UK and European ports, such as Calais and Rotterdam, and also between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The company, owned by the Dubai royal family and DP World, carries 4.5 million passengers a year.

Despite the controversy, P&O Ferries has extended its gratitude to Hebblethwaite for his contributions as CEO over the past four years. His annual pay, including bonuses, is £715,000. However, the article does not provide information about the new CEO or the reason for Hebblethwaite's resignation.