The UK government has today (6 July 2022) introduced new
legislation to make sure seafarers get paid at least equivalent
to the UK National Minimum Wage.
We are closing a loophole that allowed seafarers who work on
vessels that regularly serve UK ports, to be paid below an
equivalent to the UK National Minimum Wage for the simple fact
that the vessel operates an international service.
Following P&O Ferries’ decision to dismiss 800 loyal and
hardworking workers without consultation or notice, the
government took immediate action to begin changing the law on
seafarer pay protection.
The changes mean that thousands of seafarers regularly entering
the UK will receive fairer pay, putting the UK ahead of every EU
state in its pay protections.
The Seafarers’ Wages Bill – introduced in the House of Lords
today – enables port authorities to deny access to services
calling regularly at UK ports who do not pay their workers
equivalent rate to the UK National Minimum Wage (NMWe)
for time spent in UK waters – closing a legal loophole which was
exploited by P&O Ferries.
Maritime Minister said:
Britain’s rich maritime history and exciting future is thanks to
the extraordinary men and women who work at sea.
Fair pay for seafarers is a must and the new laws we’ve
introduced in Parliament today send a clear signal to operators
that the UK will not let seafarers be priced out of their jobs by
rogue bosses.
Following P&O Ferries’ shameful conduct, the government
launched the consultation on the Seafarers’ Wages Bill in May
2022. The response, published
alongside the introduction of the bill today, shows that the
overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that pay protection
must remain at the forefront of the sector’s objectives.
The government spoke extensively with industry on how it can
rapidly shape new laws on seafarer pay protection and has used
the information and perspectives to shape the bill’s scope and
compliance policies.
Vessels and services that call on UK ports at least every 72
hours on average, or more than 120 times a year, will fall under
these new pay requirements and the ports, Maritime and Coastguard
Agency and Department for Transport will all have a role in
ensuring compliance.
In parallel, the Insolvency Service’s criminal and civil
investigation into the circumstances of the redundancies made by
P&O Ferries continues.
Labour Markets Minister said:
Just because someone works out at sea, it doesn’t mean they
should be excluded from the protections UK workers receive.
That’s why we’ve moved at pace to get this bill across the line,
levelling the playing field and ensuring everyone working in UK
territorial waters will benefit from the equivalence of the
National Minimum Wage.
We hope seafarers will soon see the difference in their pay
packets, as we continue to protect and enhance the rights of all
workers
As part of the Secretary of State for Transport’s seafarer protections
9-point plan, we are continuing to work with our near
European neighbours on bilateral agreements.
This discussion focuses on exploring agreements that help to
improve seafarer welfare and protections and the potential
development of bilateral minimum wage corridors.
British seafarers are recognised as some of the most highly
skilled worldwide and the UK’s Maritime 2050
strategy sets out a plan for a fairer global maritime
industry.
Seafarers’ Charity. Deborah Layde, Chief Executive, said:
After P&O Ferries appalling disregard for their hardworking
seafarers, many of whom had given many years of loyal service to
the company, I am delighted to see government taking steps to
ensure fair pay and enhanced protections for seafarers regularly
entering UK ports.
The Seafarers’ Charity welcomes The Seafarers’ Wages Bill as an
important step in recognising the substantial contribution
seafarers make to our economy in what can be a very demanding
job.
At The Seafarers’ Charity we fully support efforts to ensure that
all seafarers receive equivalent pay and protections as those
working ashore.
