Seafarer Welfare P&O Ferries 2024-03-21
2024-03-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Two years ago, P&O Ferries dismissed nearly 800 seafarers without notice or consultation. This raised concerns about the adequacy of seafarer welfare standards.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of seafarer welfare standards on P&O Ferries' fleet? I am concerned that trade union rights and employment law were bypassed, allowing P&O to avoid criminal sanctions. Why hasn't this legal loophole been closed?
The Government have introduced measures to improve seafarer welfare, including the Seafarers' Wages Act 2023, which will ensure minimum wage compliance for UK seafarers and open a minimum wage corridor with France. We expect all operators to meet international standards under the Maritime Labour Convention.
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Assessment & feedback
The loophole that allowed P&O Ferries to dismiss workers without facing criminal sanctions was not addressed.
As I Said, We Have Introduced Measures
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
P&O Ferries dismissed nearly 800 seafarers two years ago without notice or consultation. This action bypassed trade union rights and employment law due to a legal loophole.
Two years after the dismissal of nearly 800 P&O Ferries workers, why has the Government not closed the legal loophole that allowed these actions? The workers were UK-based but the ships were flagged out, avoiding criminal sanctions. What specific steps will be taken to prevent future abuses?
We have introduced measures such as the Seafarers' Wages Act 2023, which ensures minimum wage compliance for UK seafarers. We also opened a minimum wage corridor with France and are working on the seafarer charter to ensure higher standards.
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Assessment & feedback
The loophole allowing P&O Ferries to dismiss workers without criminal sanctions was not addressed.
We Have Introduced Measures
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
P&O Ferries dismissed nearly 800 workers two years ago, bypassing UK employment law due to foreign flagging. Recently, an investigation revealed poor working conditions including low pay and excessive hours.
Two years after the dismissal of P&O Ferries workers, nothing has changed despite revelations of exploitative practices such as underpayment and overwork. France has acted by changing laws; when will the UK act similarly to prevent these abuses in our waters?
The Seafarers' Wages Act will ensure minimum wage compliance and prevent fatigue. The charter will require rosters to avoid overworking seafarers, ensuring safety and preventing exploitation.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or concrete action was provided for addressing exploitative practices.
The Seafarers' Wages Act Will Ensure
We Have The Minimum Wage Corridor
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Nearly two years since nearly 800 P&O workers were dismissed, the Government's fire-and-rehire code of practice will be debated next week. The Seafarers' Wages Act is yet to come into force.
It has been over two years since nearly 800 P&O Ferries workers were summarily sacked and thrown off ferries. Despite claims of substantial progress on the nine-point plan, the Seafarers' Wages Act still hasn't come into force and the voluntary charter will not change how P&O operates. Why is meaningful action not being taken?
The Seafarers' Wages Act will come into force this summer. The charter will ensure minimum wage compliance, overtime payments, and rostering to prevent fatigue and compromise safety.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific reasons were given for the delay in implementing meaningful action.
Unfortunately, It Takes Time
We Had To Consult On It
Response accuracy