A LEADING trade union is stepping up a campaign to outlaw “fire and rehire” threats against workers.

Unite is calling on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan to support bus drivers involved in disputes.

Industrial action is being taken in both cities by bus workers in disputes over pay and conditions.

Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “We are calling on Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan to publicly back a declaration which bars employers who use fire and rehire from bidding for future contracts in London and Manchester.”

It has been reported that almost 500 British Gas engineers lost their jobs after refusing to sign new contracts, which unions have claimed will cut pay by 15%.

British Gas owner Centrica told the broadcaster around 2% of its staff had chosen not to sign the new contracts, though it reportedly refused to give precise numbers as they could still change.

More than 400 drivers in Manchester have been on all-out strike since the end of February.