WIREDGOV

The government yesterday (Tuesday) opened consultation on their proposals to tackle the exploitation of workers, including a new position of Director of Labour Market Enforcement.

Commenting on the new proposals, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Better coordination between labour enforcement agencies could be helpful, but only if properly funded. There should be no hiding place for cheapskate bosses who try to cheat their workers out of their rights.

“The proposed Director of Labour Market Enforcement must have sufficient resources and a broad enough remit to ensure that all workers receive at least the national minimum wage and basic employment rights.”

Commenting specifically on the proposals to change the remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), Frances O’Grady added:

“The GLA has played an important role in clamping down on rogue employers and has increased compliance with standards across the board. If the GLA remit is to be extended it must be given the money it needs.

“A weaker GLA risks the rights of workers in agriculture and the fresh food industry. We cannot have another Morecombe Bay tragedy.”

Notes to Editors:

• The government’s full consultation document can be found here: bit.ly/1G2Q6Gq
• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
• Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews

Contacts:

Media office: T: 0207 467 1248  E: media@tuc.org.uk
Alex Rossiter  T: 020 7467 1285  M: 07887 572130  E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk
Tim Nichols  T: 020 7467 1388  M: 07808 761844  E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk
Michael Pidgeon  T: 020 7467 1372  M: 07717 531150  E: mpidgeon@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson (Mon to Wed)  T: 020 7467 1337  M: 07900 910624  E: egibson@tuc.org.uk
Kay Atwal (Thu and Fri)  T: 020 7467 1385  M: 07941 547469  E: katwal@tuc.org.uk