SEAFARERS Union RMT has attacked a new report by the Chamber of Shipping which writes UK seafarers off as \u2018uncompetitive\u2019 whilst demanding easier access to cheap foreign labour on ferry and offshore energy routes.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The Competitiveness of the UK Shipping Industry\u00a0report proposes a new visa system for domestic ferry services operating in the Irish Sea. This includes the P&O Ferries services between Cairnryan and Larne, where the vessels are crewed with exploited agency seafarers and registered under the Bahamas flag of convenience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Granting this exemption from UK immigration rules would protect P&O Ferries\u2019 crewing model, close the offshore wind supply chain to UK seafarers and potentially undermine measures in the Employment Rights Bill to recover UK seafarer jobs and training in the ferries sector. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that this highly selective report effectively airbrushes UK Ratings out of the industry, denying thousands of apprenticeship and job opportunities in maritime communities up and down these islands.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government\u2019s own figures show that UK seafarer jobs and apprenticeships are flat lining. The UK shipping industry\u2019s addiction to cheap imported seafarers on agency contracts cannot dictate to the government.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAnd seeking exemptions from immigration law to directly benefit P&O Ferries is a morally bankrupt proposal which would also accelerate the decline in UK seafarer jobs and skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to meeting the new Maritime Minister to discuss the delivery of a mandatory Seafarers Charter and further reforms to support growth rather than decline in the employment of UK Ratings and Officers across the shipping industry,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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