Government tables seafarer amendments to Employment Rights Bill
Proposals from Labour would regulate working time and reinforce training standards
Some shipowners welcome move, while chamber considers implications
THE UK government has tabled seafarer-specific amendments to proposed new legislation to boost employment rights in Britain.
The Employment Rights Bill is at committee stage in the House of Commons. Some of its measures are opposed by employer organisations.
Its main points include protection from unfair dismissal from day one, and a ban on zero-hours contracts deemed exploitative and on fire-and-rehire practices.
In opposition, Labour floated the idea of what it dubs a “seafarers’ charter” in March last year, on the first anniversary of unlawful mass sacking of 800 workers at P&O Ferries in March 2022.
After winning the general election in July, it is now set to proceed with plans for higher standards for seafarers’ rights and better protections for seafarers on services regularly calling at UK ports.
The amendments to the Employment Rights Bill include setting maximum periods of work at sea and minimum periods of rest; requirements to manage seafarer fatigue; and reinforced training requirements for operators.
The Department for Transport will launch a consultation to gather views from industry and unions on how these stipulations can best be implemented.
The announcement comes only weeks after the Seafarer’s Wages Act initiated by the most recent Conservative government came into force, which provides that anyone who frequently works in UK waters should receive the equivalent of the national minimum wage.
Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: “We stand right behind this move to strengthen protection for hard-working seafarers.
“Anyone who has ever worked on a ship understands the importance of good working conditions like regular rest periods.”
Gemma Griffin, head of global crewing at DFDS, also welcomed the move, adding: “We are pleased to see the measures being taken by the UK government to further protect seafarers’ rights and restore a level playing field for all operators.”
A representative of the Chamber of Shipping said that at this stage, the industry trade association is still examining the amendments so as to understand their implications.
