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19th March 2024

UK Government Ministers Have Done Nothing to Stop Repeat of P&O Ferries Scandal, Unions Say

Trade unions in the UK have called for proper legal protection for seafarers on the second anniversary of the P&O Ferries mass sudden sackings scandal, warning that government ministers have “done nothing” to stop other ferry firms from following suit.

The Strait of Dover, North Sea, and Irish Sea ferry operator fired 786 British crew on 17 March, 2022 (when all the fleet were instructed to stay in port), in order to replace them with low-paid agency staff. Although the DP World-owned ferry firm admitted to breaking the law, it has continued to operate without sanction while undercutting rival operators on the issue of labour costs.

Two years after the large-scale sackings, unions said that, despite the widespread outrage expressed by the government at the time, ministers had not closed the legal loopholes exploited by P&O Ferries. In addition to not sanctioning the firm or DP World.

In July 2022, the government introduced a new bill to stop firms using legal loopholes to pay low wages, following P&O Ferries’ mass sackings. The government has pledged to pass the Seafarers’ Wages Act, in an attempt to enforce minimum wage legislation for ships operating primarily in British ports, but such legislation has yet to pass.

It has launched a seafarers’ charter, but all the UK-Europe ferry operators—Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Stena Line, and Condor Ferries (Channel Islands)—are signatories to the commitment to work towards higher standards, though P&O and Irish Ferries have not signed up.

More The Guardian reports on the legacy following the fallout of P&O Ferries.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.