Carnival UK | Cruise firm withdraws 'fire & rehire' threat facing 900+ staff

Cruise firm Carnival UK has withdrawn threats to use ‘fire and rehire’ tactics after it was revealed last week that more than 900 employees could be ‘dismissed and re-engaged' on new contracts.

The company had informed authorities last week including the UK Insolvency Service, about a consultation to modify the terms and conditions of 919 maritime workers across its 10 UK-based ships.

The company operates Cunard ships such as the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, and P&O Cruises (not to be confused with P&O Ferries, a separate company which also came under fire for using ‘fire and rehire’ tactics in 2022).

In the submitted HR1 form, typically utilised for legally notifying redundancies, Carnival UK clarified that no redundancies were proposed but did state: “Dismissal and re-engagement may be considered if agreement cannot be reached on new terms."