Government proposes new worker protections four years after P&O Ferries scandal

Proper rest periods, fairer pay and stronger rights and protections in law are being promised for ferry workers under new government proposals.

 

The new laws would guarantee minimum rest periods and fair pay for seafarers working on frequent crossings between the UK and France and the Channel Islands, extending protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time.

 

The initiative comes four years after P&O Ferries abruptly dismissed 800 UK-based workers and replaced them with cheaper agency staff.

 

The consultation on new measures comes as the government confirmed which companies have met requirements of a 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. 

 

The government confirmed that DFDS, Brittany Ferries and Stena Line have all achieved Seafarers’ Charter Status on their services between the UK and France and the Channel Islands following an assessment of applications.

 

P&O Ferries has 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, according to the Department for Transport.

 

“We will continue to work with all operators to ensure the strongest protections possible,” the DoT added.

 

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.”

 

The government will review the Seafarers’ Charter in the next two years and continue to engage with both industry and trade unions, so that standards remain up to date and adapt with the times.

 

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The P&O Ferries scandal exposed the urgent need for stronger protections for seafarers.

 

“That’s why it’s right that the government is expanding the scope of the Seafarers’ Wages Act to include new powers to regulate safety and roster patterns and boost training - as well as extending minimum wage protections beyond UK waters for the first time.

 

“This consultation must now be used to deliver the promised mandatory seafarers’ charter with robust and enforceable protections for seafarers regularly working from UK ports.”

 

RMT union general secretary Eddie Dempsey added: “The launch of this consultation is a necessary and welcome step towards ending the race to the bottom that has blighted much of the ferry sector for far too long.

 

“The government’s commitment to a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter with legally enforceable standards on pay, safety and training is the right approach to protect seafarers from exploitation, preventing undercutting and creating a level playing field across the industry that will allow local seafarers to compete for jobs around the UK coast.”

 

Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: “Thanks to firm action by government, the practice of social dumping is finally coming to an end.

 

“We salute this step. It will raise the bar further and ensure an end to the race to the bottom in our sector.”

 

Stena Line group head of people operations and industrial relations Andrew Shaw said: “Achieving Seafarers’ Charter status is a significant milestone and reflects our ongoing commitment and investment in the wellbeing, safety and support of our seafarers.”

 

DFDS vice president and head of global crewing Gemma Griffin said: “We are proud to have been first signatories of the Seafarers’ Charter and to have worked alongside government, maritime trade unions and other operators to ensure that seafarers get the recognition and protections they deserve.

 

“Our seafaring colleagues are the backbone of our organisation, keeping our routes running safely and reliably. 

 

“These new measures will help ensure all seafarers receive fair pay, social protection, and safe working environments and we are pleased that the government is supporting responsible operators and ensuring a level playing field on routes operating between UK, France, and the Channel Islands.