Law to require minimum wage for UK-tied seafarers after P&O ferries scandal
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Transport minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton told the House of Lords that while the Government is not able to legislate for time spent outside UK waters, conversations would be had with other countries to try and establish “minimum wage equivalent corridors”. “It is important to stress that this is but one part of the plan which covers much wider aspects of seafarer welfare which do not require legislation.” The debate included the last ever speech from Lord Mackay of Clashfern, a former Tory lord chancellor, the highest-ranking among the Great Officers of State. “I very much hope that the provisions of the bill will ensure that action of that kind is not repeated and I very much welcome its provisions.” Labour frontbencher Lord Tunnicliffe, while welcoming the move to protect seafarers’ wages, insisted it would not be enough to give them “the security which they deserve”. “For this reason, we will seek to amend the bill to give seafarers greater security at work, crack down on rogue employers and make sure the P&O Ferries scandal can never happen again.” Noting the “disappointing” lack of broader protections, he added that he hoped for a commitment in the bill to seek agreements with other countries about wage corridors, as well provisions around collective bargaining.
History of this topic
P&O Ferries pull £1bn UK investment after Labour’s ‘cowboy’ attack
The Independent
Ferries contract decision was not politically motivated, says ex-minister Mackay
The Independent
New P&O Ferries crew did not know how to use life-saving equipment – report
The Independent
'Inexperienced' crew blamed for P&O Ferries ship losing power and drifting in Irish Sea
Daily Mail
UK opens criminal probe into P&O Ferries over crew firings
Associated Press
What will pay raise for UK ferry crew mean for future sailings?
The Independent
P&O admits breaking law over sackings
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