Helpline must help in fight against exploitation of workers, says
Unite
22nd September 2009
As a new pay and work rights helpline goes live today (Tuesday),
the UK's largest union, Unite, says it must succeed in both
reaching and helping the country's most at risk workers. The
helpline will provide employment rights' advice to vulnerable
workers and should also make it easier for workers to report abuses
at work, a measure Unite has long been pressing for.
According to Unite deputy general secretary, Jack Dromey, the
helpline has a vital role to play in the fight against
exploitation: "Fairness must not be the first casualty of
recession.
"Millions have rights but they are not enforced. Now at last the
enforcement agencies will work together, with workers able to make
one call to get the help they need.
"The clear message to rogue employers who exploit and undercut
is that there will be no hiding place."
The helpline has been developed in consultation with employers,
trade unions and the different enforcement agencies across
government, and should assist in protecting minimum wage and
working time laws, as well as ensuring employment agencies comply
with regulations on standards.
Jack Dromey is a member of the Vulnerable Workers Forum,
established by government to examine ways of better protecting the
workers in the UK at most risk of abuse at work.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Pauline Doyle on 07976
832 861
Pay and work rights helpline phone number 0800 917 2368
