Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

P&O Ferries: Staff Rosters

Thursday 19 May 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial responsibility lies with the owner-operators and flag state for ensuring compliance with hours of work requirements.
  • Concerns about new roster patterns will be investigated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency if raised.
  • The Government is considering measures to address P&O's behavior through a package of nine actions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Employment Transport
Context

Concern over the impact of new roster patterns on the safety and welfare of seafarers working for P&O Ferries, particularly regarding compliance with international hours of work requirements.

Question

I am concerned about the potential safety implications of roster patterns worked by seafarers employed on P&O Ferriers' vessels. On the Dover to Calais route, P&O wants agency crew to work over 230 round trips before a rest period, compared to local crews working 18 round trips. This is cutting wages and undermining maritime safety.

Answer from Robert Courts

Responsibility for ensuring compliance with hours of work requirements lies with the owner-operators and flag state. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency verifies these requirements are met, but current legislation is narrow in scope and deals primarily with minimum wage issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about covering roster patterns was not directly addressed; only acknowledged as being considered.

How: Narrow Legislative Scope

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Employment Energy
Context

Concern over P&O Ferries' aggressive wage-cutting practices through changes in rosters, affecting maritime safety.

Question

I am concerned about the potential impact of new roster patterns on pay and maritime safety. P&O wants agency crew to work 230 round trips before a rest period, versus local crews who worked 18 trips. This is cutting wages without adhering to minimum wage laws, undercutting companies like DFDS and Stena.

Answer from Robert Courts

Concerns will be investigated if raised with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Legislation addresses minimum wage but does not cover roster patterns; this is being considered in the fair ferries national framework agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about covering roster patterns was partially addressed by noting it's under consideration, without a clear commitment or timeline.

How: Legislation Scope, Framework Agreement

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Huw Merriman Con
Business Compliance
Context

Concern that P&O Ferries' actions have broken the law and need enforcement, specifically regarding consultation rights.

Question

P&O broke the law by refusing usual consultations; Parliament must fix this. Will the Government seek injunctions to protect consultation rights?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Minister acknowledges the need for action and mentions a package of nine measures targeting P&O's behaviour. Ongoing conversations will occur, particularly with BEIS regarding relevant legislation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete commitment to taking legal action or seeking injunctions was provided; only conversation plans mentioned.

How: Nine Measures, Departmental Coordination

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Employment Business Compliance
Context

Concern that P&O Ferries' CEO was promoted despite being deemed unfit by the Transport Secretary, highlighting a lack of accountability.

Question

P&O broke the law but faces no consequences. The promoted CEO is not fit to lead; when will tough action be taken against P&O's board?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Government are taking nine actions to address P&O's behaviour; they blame P&O for this situation and not themselves. The model introduced by Irish Ferries in 2004 is cited as a precedent.

Not addressed: Did not directly address the request for legal action against the board, instead blaming P&O itself.

How: Blaming P&O, Precedent Setting

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Gavin Newlands SNP
Employment Transport
Context

Concern that the Government is avoiding responsibility for enforcing maritime employment law, instead relying on private sector actions.

Question

The Government's plan allows ports to surcharge or block non-compliant ferry companies like P&O. Why are they not amending and enforcing employment law directly?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Government is committed to action on minimum wage legislation through ports; this is a critical step among nine measures. Further steps regarding employment law will be discussed across Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit directly to devolving maritime employment law or giving the government power, only mentioned discussing more broadly.

How: Nine Measures, Government Discussion

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email