Crackdown on abuse of vulnerable workers

Rogue employers who mistreat workers are the target of a new Government crackdown.

A helpline for vulnerable workers is planned, along with an information campaign to raise awareness of employment issues.

In addition, a new Fair Employment Enforcement Board - set to include representatives from business and trade unions - will oversee the work of enforcement groups to check minimum wage payments, health and safety, employment and the regulation of gangmasters.

Employment relations minister Pat McFadden, chair of the Vulnerable Worker Enforcement Forum, said: "Compared to a decade ago there are three million more people in work in Britain and they all enjoy more employment rights than they would have in the past.

"Important minimum standards on wages, paid leave, maternity leave and conditions have been put in place.

"However, there are still dark corners of the labour market where rogue employers seek to mistreat their workers and more needs to be done to safeguard people's rights."

Despite welcoming the plans, unions said that the Government had missed an opportunity to widen the scope of the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority to take in the care, construction and hospitality industries.

Under the Gangmasters' Licensing Act, employers who supply workers to the agriculture and food processing industries must hold a licence.