Knowledge Centre
8th May 2008
Two million workers in Britain are being denied basic employment rights, according to a study commissioned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The TUC's commission on vulnerable employment talked to employers, unions, workers, and organisations that support vulnerable workers during its research.
In a report published yesterday, the commission highlights cases of people working from home for less than £1 per item of clothing sewed, without paid holiday or sickness leave.
It also reports the plight of construction workers who have been injured at work and then denied welfare protection, and cleaners on casual contracts who have to work through sickness because they are afraid to lose a day's pay, or risk being sacked.
The commission urges a push to promote awareness of employment rights, featuring a major awareness programme and increased funding for employment rights advice. It would also like to see a new 'fair employment commission' – involving employers, unions and civil rights groups – to advise government.
"We hope policy-makers will pay real heed to the commission's findings and take action," said Linda Devereux from the National Group on Homeworking.
"Currently homeworkers, and other vulnerable groups, can be denied basic employment rights because the law on employment status is unjust and unclear. This has to change."
'Two million mistreated workers in UK' says TUC
The TUC's commission on vulnerable employment talked to employers, unions, workers, and organisations that support vulnerable workers during its research.
In a report published yesterday, the commission highlights cases of people working from home for less than £1 per item of clothing sewed, without paid holiday or sickness leave.
It also reports the plight of construction workers who have been injured at work and then denied welfare protection, and cleaners on casual contracts who have to work through sickness because they are afraid to lose a day's pay, or risk being sacked.
The commission urges a push to promote awareness of employment rights, featuring a major awareness programme and increased funding for employment rights advice. It would also like to see a new 'fair employment commission' – involving employers, unions and civil rights groups – to advise government.
"We hope policy-makers will pay real heed to the commission's findings and take action," said Linda Devereux from the National Group on Homeworking.
"Currently homeworkers, and other vulnerable groups, can be denied basic employment rights because the law on employment status is unjust and unclear. This has to change."
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