On 6 July, new legislation was introduced to ensure seafarers are paid at least equivalent to the UK National Minimum Wage. The Government has closed a loophole allowing seafarers who work on vessels that regularly serve UK ports to be paid below an equivalent to the UK National Minimum Wage for the simple fact that the vessel operates an international service.

Following P&O Ferries’ decision to dismiss 800 workers without consultation or notice, the law on seafarer pay protection has been amended, meaning that thousands of seafarers regularly entering the UK will receive fairer pay, putting the UK ahead of every EU state in its pay protections.

The Seafarers’ Wages Bill enables port authorities to deny access to services calling regularly at UK ports who do not pay their workers equivalent rate to the UK National Minimum Wage (NMWe) for time spent in UK waters – closing a legal loophole exploited by P&O Ferries.

Maritime Minister, Robert Courts, said:

“Britain’s rich maritime history and exciting future is thanks to the extraordinary men and women who work at sea. Fair pay for seafarers is a must and the new laws we’ve introduced in Parliament today send a clear signal to operators that the UK will not let seafarers be priced out of their jobs by rogue bosses. Following P&O Ferries’ shameful conduct, the government launched the consultation on the Seafarers’ Wages Bill in May 2022. The response, published alongside the introduction of the bill today, shows that the overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that pay protection must remain at the forefront of the sector’s objectives.”

The government consulted with industry on how it could shape new laws on seafarer pay protection and used the information and perspectives to shape the bill’s scope and compliance policies. Vessels and services that call on UK ports at least every 72 hours on average, or more than 120 times a year, will fall under these new pay requirements and the ports, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Department for Transport will all have a role in ensuring compliance.

Labour Markets Minister, Paul Scully, said:

“Just because someone works out at sea, it doesn’t mean they should be excluded from the protections UK workers receive. That’s why we’ve moved at pace to get this bill across the line, levelling the playing field and ensuring everyone working in UK territorial waters will benefit from the equivalence of the National Minimum Wage. We hope seafarers will soon see the difference in their pay packets, as we continue to protect and enhance the rights of all workers.”

Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of the Seafarers’ Charity, said:

“After P&O Ferries appalling disregard for their hardworking seafarers, many of whom had given many years of loyal service to the company, I am delighted to see government taking steps to ensure fair pay and enhanced protections for seafarers regularly entering UK ports. The Seafarers’ Charity welcomes The Seafarers’ Wages Bill as an important step in recognising the substantial contribution seafarers make to our economy in what can be a very demanding job. At The Seafarers’ Charity we fully support efforts to ensure that all seafarers receive equivalent pay and protections as those working ashore.”