UK enacts law to ensure better pay to seafarers entering its waters
TCN Service/London
The United Kingdom has enacted a new law to ensure better pay protection to seafarers of thousands vessels who enter its waters regularly.
The Seafarers’ Wages Act received Royal Assent that came into force on 23 March 2023 will boost rights and working conditions while preventing firms from using legal loopholes to pay low wages.
“The new law is designed to protect those working on vessels operating an international service from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
The law change will also require authorities to fine vessels who do not provide evidence they’re paying their seafarers the equivalent to NMW and to refuse harbour access to those who continue to fail to comply,” a UK government spokesperson said.
This comes as P&O Ferries shamelessly sacked nearly 800 staff without notice or consultation last year.
The UK government has acted swiftly to progress its 9-point plan in response to this disgraceful behaviour and remains committed to seafarers as a priority, both domestically and internationally.
Commenting on the development, UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said, “Our maritime sector is world-leading.
That’s down to the thousands of hardworking seafarers working tirelessly to maintain supply chains and transport passengers safely across our waters.
These workers deserve a fair wage and I’m therefore delighted to see our Seafarers’ Wages Act become law, helping improve pay and protect seafarers from exploitation.
The government continues to engage with the UK’s near European neighbours to protect seafarers’ welfare and pay, and explore the creation of minimum wage equivalent corridors in our respective territorial waters.”
The government is also taking action against rogue employers using controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices, consulting on plans for a Statutory Code of Practice, he added.
