Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's Maritime 2050 strategy, whether the social framework for the UK maritime workforce proposed in that strategy will include steps to prevent offshore-based maritime employers from discriminating against seafarers on the grounds of protected characteristics.
We are committed to develop the concept of a social framework, as referred to in the Maritime 2050 strategy. The aspiration is to provide clarity on the standards of welfare expected for our maritime workforce, regardless of whether they are working on land or at sea. This could include a review of all employment legislation explicitly pertaining to seafarers’ work and social protection, ensuring close alignment with the protections available to those working in land-based roles.
As a coastal and flag State, international law generally restricts the UK applying its domestic legislation to vessels operating outside its territorial waters and not registered in the UK.