UK’s New Legislation Enhances Protections for Seafarers Against Exploitative Practices

Seafarers are set to receive enhanced protections against exploitative employers with the introduction of new legislation in Parliament. The Employment Rights Bill will establish new safeguards tailored for seafarers, strengthening laws around collective dismissal and solidifying wage protections in UK law. These measures aim to prevent incidents like the P&O Ferries scandal, where hundreds of seafarers were dismissed and replaced with lower-paid agency workers, sparking widespread outrage.

The bill also includes provisions to end ‘fire and rehire’ practices, except in cases where employers have no alternative. Additionally, the government will close a loophole exploited by P&O Ferries by toughening collective redundancy notification requirements for operators of foreign vessels. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to improving job security and ensuring fair treatment for workers.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasized the importance of these measures in preventing future mass sackings like the one carried out by P&O Ferries. The new legislation will require operators to pay seafarers the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage in UK waters, ensuring fair compensation and leveling the playing field for responsible employers. By implementing these reforms, the government aims to make work more equitable and secure for seafarers, promoting a competitive and fair maritime sector.

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