Seòmar agus comataidhean

That is positive. The main concern is that the new skilled roles might be too focused, which could lead to issues down the line.

Unless any of the other panel members wants to come in, I am happy to leave it there, convener.

Can I confirm, then, that your answer is no?

Good morning, panel. My questions will follow on from the discussion on skills gaps. We have heard this morning about the 22,500 roles that will need to be created. In a previous evidence session, the committee heard a concern that there might be a limited shelf life for some of those new skilled roles, such as retrofitting buildings, as we have already discussed. Are the witnesses aware of that concern? What can be done to ensure that the new skilled roles that are created during the transition are sustained and that there is demand for workers to acquire the necessary skills? That question goes first to Ian Hughes and then to Ian Hill.

Okay. We understand that some employees are being paid £5.50 an hour, which is above the International Transport Workers Federation pay rates. Would you be happy to work for £5.50 an hour?

Moving on, P&O Ferries seems to have been a largely profitable business until around 2019. Would you not say that recent losses are the result of Covid-19 rather than some fundamental challenges to the business?

It is really positive to hear that the transition will not be about just those skills but about transferable skills that might be needed in other areas.

Martyn Raine has already discussed apprenticeships this morning. Are the current apprenticeships and training being adapted to ensure that, in the future, there will be a place in other areas for those who are coming through to those new skilled roles?

My question was more about whether you would be happy to work for £5.50 an hour. I appreciate that this is not all about money, but that is probably not music to the ears of those who have to feed themselves and their families.

Can you elaborate on why the company was facing the imminent collapse that caused the vast number of redundancies despite other operators being able to survive without such drastic action?

Okay, thank you. I have no further questions.

In response to one of my colleagues, you stated that this is not about you. However, I understand that, as my colleagues have again picked up, your salary is over £300,000, before bonuses. Can you confirm whether you took a pay cut to protect the future of the business or did you ensure that your own interests were protected to the detriment of those 800 people who were unlawfully sacked?