Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Maritime Sector Jobs

Thursday 2 July 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Karl Turner asked the Minister about preventing job losses for British seafarers due to replacements by low-paid foreign crews.
  • The Minister noted the interest and mentioned discussions on supporting ferry operations with a freight support package.
  • The aim is to create an environment where more seafarers can work around the UK coastal shores.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Karl Turner Ind Barnsley East
Employment
Context

P&O Ferries has received significant financial support during the pandemic but plans to lay off British seafarers and replace them with Filipino crews due to route viability issues. The Transport Secretary stated there is limited action he can take under international agreements.

Question

What steps will the Minister commit to taking to prevent companies like P&O Ferries from destroying jobs for British seafarers by replacing them with low-paid, poorly treated Filipino crews? Will they also level up employment conditions and unleash potential in the maritime sector to protect these roles?

Answer from Kelly Tolhurst (Minister for Small Business, Enterprise and Retail)

I note the hon. Gentleman's interest in this area. We have had many discussions on supporting ferry operations with a freight support package to protect necessary services within the UK. However, we aim to create an environment where more seafarers can work around our coastal shores.

Answered
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