The P&O Ferries mass sackings scandal, which saw 800 crew members fired without warning in 2022, has prompted the Labour party to introduce new laws to prevent such incidents from recurring. The transport secretary, Louise Haigh, announced that the new legislation will close loopholes that allowed P&O to dismiss employees in such a manner, with companies now facing unlimited fines for similar actions. These measures aim to improve job security and ensure fair working conditions for seafarers.
The government will require cross-Channel ferry operators to pay the national minimum wage of £11.44 an hour starting from December 1 under the Seafarers’ Wages Act. These regulations will apply to ships that visit UK ports frequently, regardless of their flag or crew nationality. Operators failing to comply with minimum wage requirements may face port entry surcharges or other penalties.
The legislation also aims to end ‘fire and rehire’ practices, except in cases where employers have no alternative. The government is committed to protecting workers’ rights at sea and creating a level playing field for all operators. The move has been welcomed by ferry operator DFDS and seafarers unions Nautilus and RMT, who have been advocating for better working conditions in the maritime industry.
While the new laws will primarily affect ferry operators, the government is looking to expand protections to cargo and cruise ships as well. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all workers at sea are treated fairly and have their rights safeguarded. P&O Ferries has stated that it will comply with the new legal requirements, while P&O Cruises has assured that it will not engage in dismissals and rehirings of crew members.
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