The thousands of seafarers regularly entering UK waters should enjoy better pay protections, as the government passes a new UK law in an attempt to boost rights and working conditions while preventing firms from using legal loopholes to pay low wages.  

After receiving Royal Assent last week (23 March), the Seafarers’ Wages Act is now law.   

Part of the government’s nine-point plan for seafarers, the new law is designed to protect those working on vessels operating an international service from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage.

The law change will also require authorities to charge operators of vessels who don’t provide evidence they’re paying their seafarers the equivalent to National Minimum Wage, and to refuse harbour access to those who continue to fail to comply.

“This is a landmark moment for the sector,” says Stuart Rivers, chief executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).

“Thousands of seafarers will now have extra security in respect to pay and working conditions following a year of turmoil after the mass sackings made by P&O Ferries.

“Ensuring seafarers have the highest level of welfare support is imperative – and seeing this legislation given Royal Assent is a big step to achieving that.”

Last year, P&O Ferries shamelessly sacked nearly 800 staff without notice or consultation. The government says its nine-point plan is in response to ‘this disgraceful behaviour and remains committed to seafarers as a priority, both domestically and internationally’.

Transport secretary, Mark Harper, comments: “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.”

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