The government has launched a consultation on changes to the Race Relations Act that would stop discrimination against foreign sailors. Section 9 of the Act contains an exception for seafarers who are recruited abroad, meaning they can be discriminated against on the grounds of nationality in relation to pay.
Shipping minister Stephen Ladyman said: “Wage patterns may change and there is a risk that ship owners will flag [operate ships from] outside the UK. We must ensure that the potential negative impacts of the changes are minimised.” The consultation will close on 14 September.
