Vulnerable worker helpline launched

Workers' groups have welcomed the launch today of a Government helpline, intended to let vulnerable employees report abuse they suffer at the hands of their employers.

The Pay and Work Rights helpline also aims to provide advice on workplace rights for employees who might otherwise be afraid to speak out.

The helpline brings together five areas of work rights which were previously the responsibility of different Government bodies, and is intended to provide a single point of contact that can examine multiple complaints.

These include issues relating to National Minimum Wage, Agricultural Minimum Wage, working time limits (the 48 hour week), employment agency standards and gangmaster licensing.

Unveiling the helpline, employment minister Pat McFadden said that the Government is determined not to let employers use the recession as "an excuse to deny people their basic rights at work".

Welcoming the launch, the Citizens Advice Bureau said that it had dealt with more than 550,000 complaints in 2008/2009 - up 17% over the previous year - with many coming from workers who were too frightened of losing their jobs to report issues.

Trade union Unite said that the helpline addressed concerns it had been highlighting for some time, but stressed that it must succeed in reaching the most vulnerable workers.

Deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said: "Fairness must not be the first casualty of recession.

"The clear message to rogue employers who exploit and undercut is that there will be no hiding place."

IMAGE AP Photo/John McConnico