Unite comment on BIS decision not to ratify domestic workers
convention
15 June 2011
Commenting on the Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills’ decision not to ratify the International Labour
Organisation’s convention to protect domestic workers, Diana
Holland, Unite assistant general secretary, said: “The absence of
basic rights for domestic workers places them at huge risk of
exploitation and the UK government should be leading the way, not
opting out of this crucial convention.
“Supporting some of the most vulnerable and exploited workers in
the world in principle is important, but supporting domestic
workers in practice is what’s needed as the abuse some of them face
is well documented.
“Unite believes no workers should be treated as second class in
terms of health and safety or other basic protections. Domestic
workers need real support and not empty words.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Ashraf Choudhury in the
Unite Press Office on 020 3321 2061 or 07980 224761
