Minimum wage law change coming for ferry operators
A bill will be quickly introduced in parliament starting this week compelling all ferry companies to pay at least the national minimum wage.
It follows the abrupt sackings of 800 P&O Ferries workers in an illegal fire and rehire effort the company claims is needed to stay afloat.
It prompted widespread outrage.
The government hopes to plug a loophole which allows ferry operators at UK ports to pay less than the minimum wage on foreign flagged ships.
The minimum hourly rate is £8.91 per hour.
“We will make it impossible for ferry companies to operate from UK ports without paying the National Minimum Wage,” a transport ministry source said.
A P&O Ferries ship was impounded in Northern Ireland over inadequate crew familiarisation, vessel documentation and crew training, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Representatives from rival firms DFDS and Stena Lines will meet government officials today to discuss the planned law change.
They will also discuss potential capacity problems if P&O doesn’t have a change of heart and its ships remain out of service.
Ray Monty
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