Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Condor Ferries on access to Government-funded furlough schemes for employers of UK seafarers.

The government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures to support businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, worth £350 billion. This includes supporting both employers and employees via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), by paying furloughed staff 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. To access the CJRS, a company must have a UK bank account and have started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19 March 2020. My officials have previously engaged with Condor Ferries and expressed these requirements to them. We have continued to offer our support to them during this difficult time. The Department recognises the important contribution that seafarers make to the UK’s economy and remain committed to supporting them.

The Channel Island governments have also launched a similar scheme as well as other financial measures to support local businesses. Those staff members that are employed and paid through the Channel Islands would be subject to the terms and conditions governing those particular schemes and be a matter for the Channel Island governments.