The European Commission (EC) has announced plans to include seafarers under five law directives.

This would allow them the same benefits as those who work onshore, which includes consultations and the right to take part in European work councils.

Current laws are applied sector-wide, yet some directives allow countries in the European Union (EU) to exclude seafarers.

The organisation hopes its proposed changes will make the maritime sector more attractive to newer, younger workers, as it has noticed a decline in staff numbers. It also hopes the proposals will encourage fairer competition as operators in the EU will have the same obligations and rights across member states.

European Commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion Laszlo Andor said: "Offshore and onshore workers should have equal rights, in particular when it comes to such a fundamental right as information and consultation."

EC's proposals will be submitted to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval. The five areas it wants to amend are the directives for employer insolvency, information and consultation, collective redundancies, transfer of undertakings and European works councils.