The UK government has taken a significant step to safeguard the rights of seafarers, introducing a suite of new laws aimed at preventing the kind of exploitation seen in the P&O Ferries scandal in 2022.
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance job security, pay, and working conditions for thousands of seafarers.
Enhanced Wage Protections
Effective 1 December 2024, operators with at least 120 annual UK port calls must pay their seafarers the UK National Minimum Wage equivalent while operating in UK waters.
This measure is part of the Seafarer’s Wages Act, designed to deliver fair pay and level the playing field for operators who adhere to decent employment standards.
Tougher Redundancy Rules
The Employment Rights Bill will toughen the laws around collective dismissal, particularly for operators of foreign vessels. If an operator plans to dismiss 20 or more employees, they will be legally required to notify the government, facing potential prosecution or an unlimited fine if they fail to comply.
This change aims to prevent the kind of mass sackings seen at P&O Ferries and ensure that such practices are not repeated.
Ending ‘Fire and Rehire’ Practices
The government is also moving to end ‘fire and rehire’ practices, except in cases where employers have no alternative. This measure is intended to prevent a race to the bottom and ensure that employers cannot exploit their workers by ripping up their terms and conditions.
As Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated,
“We’re on a mission to end exploitative work and we’re legally enshrining our promises so no employer can abuse the system to rob their workers of the basic rights and dignity they deserve.”
Improved Working Conditions
In addition to wage and redundancy protections, the government is exploring options to introduce mandatory employment standards at sea.
This includes setting minimum standards for operators on working conditions, such as providing a balanced and nutritious diet, and ensuring seafarers have access to social connectivity while at sea.
These amendments, proposed under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), reflect lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic and aim to support the health and well-being of seafarers.
Seafarer Welfare Regulations Table
Measure |
Description |
Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | Operators must pay UK National Minimum Wage in UK waters | 1 December 2024 |
| Redundancy Notification | Operators must notify government for dismissals of 20+ employees | Pending legislation |
| ‘Fire and Rehire’ | Ending ‘fire and rehire’ practices except where necessary | Pending legislation |
| Balanced Diet | Ensuring a nutritious and balanced diet for seafarers | 2025 (pending MLC amendments) |
| Social Connectivity | Providing access to social media and messaging apps | 2025 (pending MLC amendments) |
Forward-Looking Protections
The government is taking comprehensive action to make work pay and modernize employment rights.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasized,
“The mass sacking by P&O Ferries was a national scandal which can never be allowed to happen again. These measures will make sure it doesn’t.”.
Final Thoughts
Sources: THX News, Department for Transport, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Heidi Alexander MP & The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP.
