Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Royal Fleet Auxiliary: Merchant Seafarers

Monday 16 March 2026 · 3 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed recruitment and retention issues for Royal Fleet Auxiliary merchant seafarers.
  • Government acknowledged the unique role and importance of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in defence.
  • MOD is implementing a workforce recovery programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Defence
Context

The question addresses the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in the RFA, noting that applications for officer positions are 30% higher and ratings applications are 26% higher since February last year.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve recruitment and retention of merchant seafarers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary?

Answer from Louise Jones

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary makes a unique contribution to defence. We thank the maritime trade unions for their commitment to resolving the current pay dispute so that the RFA's contribution can be recognised. The Ministry of Defence is implementing a workforce recovery programme for the RFA. This will improve the wider employee offer for those serving to ensure that the RFA can continue to perform its vital role.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps to improve recruitment and retention were not detailed, only general commitment noted

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Q2 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Defence
Context

RFA seafarer numbers are still 12% lower than in 2019, and the pay offer has not been accepted by the RFA officers and ratings. The current pay dispute may impact the RFA's readiness if they are drawn into a conflict.

Question

I welcome the Minister's response. The RFA does play a very important role in the maritime sector. I welcome the Government's progress in addressing the declining numbers in the RFA, but there is still a long way to go. MOD figures show that RFA seafarer numbers are still 12% lower than in 2019. Improving the pay and conditions of the RFA civilian seafarers is not only the right thing to do but essential to resolving the recruitment and retention crisis caused by the previous Government's hostility towards public sector workers. Will the Minister commit to revisiting discussions with the Treasury if the current pay offer is rejected by RFA officers and ratings, particularly if they are drawn into the conflict in the middle east?

Answer from Louise Jones

We are continuing close and productive conversations across Government and with the maritime trade unions, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on ongoing negotiations. However, as I have said, this Labour Government recognise the extraordinary contribution and unique role of the highly skilled personnel of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Not addressed: commitment to revisiting discussions with Treasury was not addressed

How: We Are Continuing Close And Productive Conversations Across Government

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Q3 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Defence
Context

Seafarers have had to wait seven months before receiving a formal pay offer from their employer after resolving the previous pay dispute. The trade unions are committed to a positive future for the RFA's civilian crews.

Question

I support the points made by my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Riverside (Kim Johnson), but I acknowledge that the Government have made substantial progress in addressing the ingrained recruitment and retention crisis they inherited affecting the Royal Fleet Auxiliary—the Royal Navy support ships. However, having resolved the previous pay dispute, the RFA's overworked and underpaid seafarers have had to wait seven months before receiving a formal pay offer from their employer. I appreciate that the Secretary of State and his Ministers share the RFA trade unions' commitment to a positive future for the RFA's civilian crews, which is encouraging, but what reassurances can the Minister provide to the seafarers whom we rely on?

Answer from Louise Jones

As we are continuing to work closely across Government and with the maritime trade unions, I do not wish to comment on the ongoing negotiations, but I can assure my hon. Friend that, as I said, this Labour Government and I recognise the extraordinary contribution of our seafarers and are working hard to deliver for the highly skilled personnel of our Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Not addressed: reassurances were not provided regarding the pay dispute and its impact on readiness

How: I Do Not Wish To Comment On Ongoing Negotiations

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