STATUS OF SEAFARER HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES

Early day motion 201, tabled 6 June 2013 by Baroness Clark of Kilwinning (Labour). Signed by 27 members.

That this House notes the differences in the legal status and powers of seafarer and land-based health and safety representatives; is concerned that land-based representatives are legally required after appointment to attend a trade union-approved health and safety training course as soon as possible, whilst seafarer representatives are only required to undertake on-board health and safety training at some stage; is further concerned that this inferior status compromises the health and safety regime for seafarers working on UK-flagged vessels; and calls on the Government to take steps to bring seafarer health and safety representatives up to the legal status of their land-based counterparts.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.