Green MEP condemns poor treatment of vulnerable workers

7th May 2008

The legal framework is failing to protect some of those most at risk of exploitation, including young people, foreign workers and agency workers who have no other prospects for employment

Responding to the report 'Hard Work, Hidden Lives', released today by the TUC's Commission on Vulnerable Employment, Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, said:

"The finding that more than two million people in Britain are forced to endure 'intolerably poor working lives', while being subjected to daily exploitation and abuse from employers, is appalling. Employment practices which take advantage of vulnerable workers have been found to be commonplace, despite a raft of regulations to protect people from mistreatment.

"It comes as no surprise that people in certain industries suffer disproportionately, with those in hotel and catering, hairdressing and beauty and construction and security being most at risk. People in these industries are frequently paid below minimum income for the hours they work, as they are often employed on a casual basis and are less likely to be in a trade union.

"There is a clear need for greater inspection to ensure that workers are being given reasonable paid holiday, decent wages and that their work allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. When unscrupulous employers provide poorer work conditions they can undercut responsible employers and this leads to lower standards across industry sectors. This must not go on.

"The legal framework is failing to protect some of those most at risk of exploitation, including young people, foreign workers and agency workers who have no other prospects for employment. Anti-poverty targets will be undermined unless the Government gets to grips with this widespread problem."

To view a summary or download the TUC report 'Hard Work, Hidden Lives', go to www.vulnerableworkers.org.uk