Slap in face for mariners
I'm an active mariner writing to you deeply concerned with regards to the blanket hotel quarantine of seafarers coming home from red list countries.
The government has basically listed the two continents of South America and Africa, major shipping routes.
Many companies have already stated that they are not obligated to be pay for the £1,750 charge the UK government has unfairly implemented for the mandatory hotel stay.
This not only puts British seafarers at a disadvantage financially but job security wise as it's an extra cost companies may be burdened with later down the line if maritime labour convention dictates they should pay for this expense.
Many of us operate on a periodic rolling contact from offshore companies and if employment costs rise much more, I fear many of us won't have our contracts renewed.
This could lead to further unemployment should this policy continue or expand further, companies will simply hire more nonBritish seafarers and we will lose a vital resource that has been key to our success as an Island nation.
Seafarers were told they were key workers and important to the
Corona effort, to keep food, medicines and goods moving.
They've faced unprecedented challenges lately in keeping supply routes open and have faced discrimination against crew changing by certain governments, extended working contracts due to lack of crew, fatigue and mental health issues (especially with regards to the repeated quarantine periods we have to make overseas when travelling), many crew have been stuck at home unable to join their vessel and had their contracts cancelled.
To be asked to stump up £1,750 by our own government on our return home is truly a slap in the face.
If this were to be done to any other key worker there would be an uproar.
Because we operate unseen and unheard we are often at the back of government ministers thoughts when drafting laws of this nature.
I urge the government to add homecoming British seafarers onto the exemptions list amongst crown servants and defence personnel.
Don't leave us and our families massively out of pocket, let us quarantine in our homes as the Scottish government allows.
I would also urge our local MPs to take a stand against the government.
How can Boris Johnson not so long ago stand with maritime cadets promising a strong future only to discriminate against them now? George (surname withheld). Sent via email.