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      TUC backs Nautilus call for fair pay

      14 September 2020

      Image:Nautilus motion said seafarers are facing a triple whammy: no income support from government; unable to leave the country to work, and an unbudgeted tax bill.
      Nautilus motion said seafarers are facing a triple whammy: no income support from government; unable to leave the country to work, and an unbudgeted tax bill.

      A motion to the TUC on the lack of financial support for seafarers during Covid-19 was carried, during a special general council session of the 2020 Congress.

      The motion from Nautilus called on the government to review its decision not to extend financial support to seafarers during the coronavirus pandemic despite recognising them as keyworkers.

      Nautilus predicts that around 11,000 UK seafarers fell through the gaps of the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-employment Income Support Scheme due to their employment and tax status by being employed by companies who do not operate UK PAYE.

      'Many of these seafarers are facing a triple whammy: no income support from government; unable to leave the country to work, and an unbudgeted tax bill,' the motion stated.

      The motion also called for a wider review into the employment status of seafarers which typically sees them employed via agencies based in offshore jurisdictions

      As the TUC's annual Congress was taking place via video conference, the motions were passed by an extended General Council on behalf of their unions in a smaller afternoon session.

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