Mandatory Seafarers’ Charter amendment should be ‘real tonic’ for UK maritime workforce
20 December 2024
The Department for Transport announced on 19 December that an amendment will be tabled to the Employment Rights Bill which, once passed, will pave the way for the establishment of a Seafarer’s Charter, that maritime companies will be required to comply with by law.
Reacting to the announcement, Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury said:
“With an ageing workforce at the mercy of inconsistent standards in a global sector, the Government’s plan to bring a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter into law will be welcomed as a real tonic. As the previous Committee noted in its 2023 report, events like the sacking of nearly 800 seafarers by P&O Ferries have left the maritime workforce feeling vulnerable, so strengthening welfare standards is vital. It will also support safety, mental health and retention of talent in the sector.”
The Committee’s recommendation on establishing a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter can be found on page 51 of its 2023 report – Maritime 2050: objectives, implementation and effects
The Government’s announcement about its new amendment to the Employment Rights Bill can be found here – Seafarer rights to be enshrined in law
Further information
Image: House of Commons/Laurie Noble