Labour announces new laws to tackle rogue P&O style employers

The maritime union says this crucial initiative is an important first step to protect the employment rights and conditions of seafarers across the ferry sector and to ensure workers are protected by collective bargaining rights.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We strongly welcome this announcement by Louise Haigh which shows Labour is serious about protecting seafarer jobs and preventing another P&O Ferries type scandal.

“It was one the most shameful episodes in UK industrial relations that P&O Ferries escaped prosecution for breaking employment law and replacing hundreds of UK seafarers with below minimum wage agency workers.

"Taking action to end this type of fire and replacement and closing the scandalous loopholes that allow rogue employers like P&O Ferries to act with impunity, is long overdue.

"It is shameful that the previous government refused to act.”

Mr Lynch added: “We have long campaigned for seafarers’ employment reform and today’s statement from the government contains important first steps to deliver change.

"RMT is working at pace with Ministers and officials to ensure the delivery of the promised mandatory seafarers employment charter through the Employment Rights Bill, so we can take on bad bosses in the ferry industry and ensure all seafarers are protected by fair employment conditions.”