Peter Hebblethwaite, the chief executive of P&O Ferries, has announced his departure from the company after facing significant backlash for laying off nearly 800 employees in 2022. The decision to terminate 786 staff members, which was followed by the hiring of lower-paid agency workers, prompted widespread criticism. At a parliamentary hearing, Hebblethwaite defended his actions by stating it was necessary to prevent the company’s financial collapse, although this led to discussions about the legality and ethics of the dismissals. Notably, he faced tough questioning, with statements labeling the company as operating unethically.
P&O Ferries, which is a subsidiary of the Dubai-based company DP World, has expressed gratitude for Hebblethwaite’s contributions over his four-year tenure, during which he led the firm through challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced environmentally friendly vessels. Nevertheless, Hebblethwaite’s leadership has been marred by governance issues, including delays in publishing annual accounts, which raised concerns about regulatory compliance. The company’s accounts for 2022 were nearly a year late, revealing that over £47 million had been spent on the mass layoffs.
Subsequent to these events, discussions emerged regarding Hebblethwaite’s compensation. In 2023, it was reported that he received a salary of £683,000, which included a significant bonus. This figure came under scrutiny since it contrasted sharply with the wages of the agency staff, some of whom were reportedly paid below minimum wage levels. The legal status of these pay rates was tied to the employment structure on foreign-registered ships, allowing P&O to operate under different wage laws. However, recent legislation in the UK and France has since addressed some of these discrepancies.
Despite financial losses—£91.4 million before tax in 2023, as opposed to £249.4 million in 2022—the company transported 4.6 million passengers, a significant drop from pre-pandemic figures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/29/peter-hebblethwaite-britain-most-hated-boss-po-ferries-to-quit