Seafarers’ jobs

The number of active UK seafarer “ratings” has declined to its lowest level ever, 8,100, 14% below its 2002 level. Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT maritime union, said: “Ship-owners are using exemptions from basic minimum standards to exploit overseas seafarers on rates of pay that shame the UK flag.”

The position could be reversed by ensuring that the minimum wage applies in the industry; ending ship-owners’ exemption from the Race Relations Act; and linking relief from the “tonnage tax” to training and jobs for UK ratings.