New proposals announced by the Government will seek to cement proper rest periods, fairer pay and stronger rights and protections in law for thousands of seafarers across the UK.
The announcement follows the recent introduction of a national minimum wage equivalent for seafarers in domestic waters, with the new laws set to guarantee minimum rest periods and fair pay for all seafarers working on frequent crossings between the UK, France and the Channel Islands – extending protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time.
Measures now being consulted on include paying seafarers the equivalent of at least the National Minimum Wage throughout journeys between the UK and France and Channel Islands; setting maximum periods of work at sea and implementing minimum periods of rest.
These measures aim to build on existing legislation covering UK waters and form part of the Government’s commitment to improving working conditions for seafarers.
The Government recently confirmed a list of operators that have met the requirements of the Seafarers’ Charter, which sets out higher standards for seafarer welfare, working conditions and pay beyond existing legal requirements, including on social welfare provision, fairer contracts, quality training and professional development.
Companies that have met the assessment criteria thus far include DFDS, Brittany Ferries and Stena Lin – with P&O Ferries having also made considerable progress and provided evidence of compliance with all of the requirements except one aspect of social welfare provision on its routes between the UK and France.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:Seafarers are the unsung heroes of our economy – keeping the country safe, supplied and moving, often far from home. They deserve nothing less than the strongest possible protections, and we are determined to deliver exactly that.
We are moving faster and going further than ever before to cement seafarers’ rights in law – introducing protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time and setting a new gold standard for the industry.
I am also proud of Brittany Ferries, DFDS and Stena Line who have risen to the challenge and met the requirements of the Seafarers’ Charter. By honouring that social contract and committing to the highest standards of welfare and working conditions, they are showing real leadership.
