Policy paper

Nine-point plan for seafarers – our commitments to protect seafarers

Published 6 July 2022

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

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The 9-point plan for seafarer protections boosts and reforms seafarer employment protections and welfare, ensuring they are paid and treated irrespective of flag or nationality, whilst closing down legal loopholes that could give employers the ability to avoid doing so.

The plan is the centre of the government’s response to P&O Ferries’ decision to dismiss 800 seafarers without consultation or notice.

  1. Changing the law so that seafarers working on ships that regularly use UK ports are paid at least equivalent to the UK National Minimum Wage.
  2. Asking UK ports to suspend access to ferry operators which do not pay at least the equivalent to the UK National Minimum Wage.
  3. Working with international partners to collaborate on seafarer protections and welfare, and to explore the creation of minimum wage corridors between our nations.
  4. Asking HM Revenue and Customs to dedicate UK National Minimum Wage resource to the maritime sector.
  5. Maritime and Coastguard Agency continuing their robust enforcement policies.
  6. Developing a statutory code for “fire and rehire” practices and failures to engage in employee consultations.
  7. Taking action against company leaders who break the law.
  8. Improving the long-term working conditions of seafarers.
  9. Encouraging more ships to operate under the UK flag.
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