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Royal Fleet Auxiliary: Conditions of Employment

Asked by John McDonnellLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 109058

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the current online Royal Navy recruitment campaign, how many merchant seafarers currently employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary work a 3-month on, 3-month off schedule; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The ability to opt-in to a reduced assignment length continues to be available to all Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers. As of January 2026, 10% of permanent employees have chosen this schedule. The previous detail on the recruiting site suggesting this as the default crewing model has been removed.

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