Capt Kamal Chadha –
The UK government has announced a draft Employment Rights Bill designed to strengthen protections for seafarers, a development that has garnered support from Nautilus International, the maritime union based in the UK. This bill, which will soon be introduced in Parliament, aims to toughen regulations pertaining to collective dismissals and enhance wage protections for seafarers within UK law.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the prohibition of the controversial “fire and rehire” practice. Employers will now be required to demonstrate that there are no reasonable financial alternatives before proceeding with staff dismissals. This important measure seeks to ensure fair treatment for workers and prevent unjust job losses.
Additionally, the bill addresses a significant loophole exploited by P&O Ferries in 2022 by reinforcing the requirements for collective redundancy notifications among foreign vessel operators. This initiative is particularly relevant in light of the public outcry following P&O Ferries’ sudden dismissal of 800 UK-based workers, who were replaced with cheaper foreign agency employees.
Under the proposed legislation, any vessel operators planning to lay off 20 or more employees will be obliged to notify the workforce and comply with established protocols before any redundancies take effect. This measure is intended to safeguard the rights of workers and ensure that they are treated with transparency and respect during potential employment changes.
Overall, the draft Employment Rights Bill represents a significant step towards securing better protections for seafarers, addressing past injustices while promoting fairness in the maritime industry. The support from Nautilus International reflects a broader commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of maritime workers throughout the UK.
Marex Media