The UK + France introduce new initiatives to improve conditions for seafarers: The UK government has unveiled a new package of measures providing significant improvement in seafarers’ rights and welfare with the introduction of the Seafarers’ Charter, it said in a statement. The charter, supported by major ferry companies, aims to ensure fair wages, proper rest periods, and appropriate training for thousands of seafarers.

The details: The Seafarers’ Charter requires employers to pay overtime at a rate of at least 1.25x the basic hourly rate, provide adequate training and development, provide full indefinite contracts, allow access to social security benefits, and conduct regular drug and alcohol testing.

The charter is a response to P&O Ferries’ unjust firing of nearly 800 staff without notice or consultation last year, according to the statement. It will be launched alongside a similar initiative by the French government, strengthening cooperation between the two countries to protect those working in the Channel. It comes as part of the government’s wider nine-point plan to protect seafarers and boost employment protections.

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