Seafarers working in the UK will gain enhanced protections against rogue employers as the Employment Rights Bill is introduced to parliament this week

This legislation aims to strengthen laws surrounding collective dismissal and secure seafarer wage protections in UK law, and is in part a response to the 2022 P&O Ferries scandal where nearly 800 seafarers were unjustly dismissed and replaced with lower-paid agency workers.

Key provisions of the bill will eliminate ‘fire and rehire’ practices, close loopholes and ensure wages reach at least the national minimum wage.