Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how the National Minimum Wage for Seafarers on UK flagged ships is monitored; and what plans his Department has to publish monitoring data.

The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) receives it.

HMRC does not routinely publish sector specific data on NMW complaints received. However, since April 2021, they have received the following number of complaints from seafarers and third-party information (from members of the public who may not work for a specific employer) since April 2021:

HMRC consider and take all complaints seriously from workers referred by the Acas helpline, or received via the online complaints form, and investigate as appropriate.

HMRC do not just rely on complaints. They also undertake proactive enforcement activities, based on their own risk modelling, and undertaking outreach activities to help employers understand their obligations and making sure workers know their rights

If anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage, they can contact Acas, in confidence, on 0300 123 1100 or submit a query online using the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints.