Government outlines laws to protect against repeat of P&O ferries scandal

“We are closing the legal loophole that P&O Ferries exploited when they sacked almost 800 dedicated seafarers and replaced them with low paid agency workers and we are requiring operators to pay the equivalent of National Minimum Wage in UK waters.

“Make no mistake – this is good for workers and good for business.

“With stronger protections for workers, this government will make work pay in every corner of the country.”

This package of legislation comes alongside the implementation of the Seafarer’s Wages Act. 

Regulations laid out on 10th October 2024 allow the act – passed last year – to come into force on 1st December.

Alongside a similar law introduced by the French Government, this will establish a ‘minimum wage corridor’ across the short straits.

The act was designed to deliver fair pay, requiring operators that call at least 120 times a year at UK ports to pay their seafarers at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage equivalent.

Operators that fail to comply will be forced to pay a surcharge at each port call it makes.

Continued non-compliance could see operators refused access to the port altogether.   

Paul Nowak, general secretary at the TUC, said: “P&O Ferries’ brutal and illegal sacking of 800 seafarers is one of the biggest scandals in modern day industrial relations. 

“But instead of making sure no worker ever went through this ordeal again, the Tories left the door open for other rogue bosses to do the same as P&O. 

“That’s why today’s legal safeguards announced by the government are so important.

“They will strengthen protections against bad employers who seek to exploit loopholes to mistreat staff. 

“This shows the difference driving up employment standards can make – both in protecting workers and stopping undercutting. 

“And it shows why Labour’s workers’ rights agenda is so vital to creating a modern economy that works for working people and decent employers.”