The UK government is acting to prevent a repeat of the mass dismissal of seafarers by P&O Ferries through new legislation.
- The Employment Rights Bill aims to protect seafarers, introduce strict dismissal laws, and enforce wage protections.
- Key measures include ending ‘fire and rehire’ practices and closing legal loopholes exploited by operators.
- Operators will face stringent notification requirements for mass redundancies, alongside potential penalties.
- Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy PM Angela Rayner advocate for robust worker protection measures.
The UK government is set to introduce new protective legislation targeted at seafarers following the controversial sacking of 800 workers by P&O Ferries in 2022. This move is designed to prevent similar occurrences and strengthen employment rights within the maritime industry.
The forthcoming Employment Rights Bill seeks to provide new protections for seafarers by reinforcing laws surrounding collective dismissal and incorporating wage protections into UK legislation. A critical aspect of the bill is the termination of ‘fire and rehire’ practices unless there is no viable alternative, as highlighted by the Department for Transport.
A significant part of the legislation targets closing loopholes that were previously exploited by P&O Ferries. Operators planning to dismiss 20 or more employees will be legally required to notify the government, with the possibility of facing prosecution or an unlimited fine if they fail to comply.
The bill will also empower the implementation of international conventions related to seafarer employment, with urgent exploration of options to set mandatory employment standards at sea being underway. Additionally, regulations laid as of Thursday will enable the act to come into force by December 1.
In collaboration with similar measures from the French government, a ‘minimum wage corridor’ will be established across short sea Channel crossings. As stated by the Department for Transport, operators with at least 120 annual UK port calls must ensure payment of at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage to their seafarers.
Failure to comply with these wage standards will obligate operators to pay a surcharge at each port call, with repeated non-compliance resulting in denied port access. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasised that the mass dismissal by P&O Ferries was a “national scandal” and assured that such measures will prevent its recurrence.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reiterated the need for these changes, condemning the manipulation by employers as demonstrated by P&O. She stated that these legal advancements will not only protect workers from unjust treatment but also support fair competition among employers. The initiative aims to secure employee rights while promoting ethical business conduct.
The UK government’s legislative steps signal a firm commitment to enhancing maritime employment protections and preventing future employment scandals.
