Usdaw calls for protection of vulnerable workers

Usdaw, the Shopworkers’ Union, has called for better protection for vulnerable workers. The motion was supported by unions at the TUC conference in Brighton today.

The Union called for the effective enforcement of rights to protect vulnerable and agency workers. They also called for the extension of the remit of the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority and better enforcement of employment rights.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, explained:

“We are pleased with the progress made so far to protect vulnerable and agency workers. The National Minimum Wage and an increase in the statutory holiday entitlement have already made a real difference. However, without effective enforcement, new employment rights will fail to deliver for all workers.

“The establishment of the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority has helped to make a significant difference, and we believe that its remit should be extended to cover all agency labour providers, protecting many more vulnerable workers than at present.

“Lastly we are calling on the government to set up a Fair Employment Commission, alongside existing enforcement agencies, to co-ordinate employment rights enforcement. This is a recommendation from the TUC Commission on Vulnerable Employment and will help to ensure that the laws in place to protect the most vulnerable in our society are enforced.”

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fourth biggest trade union, with over 368,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service at: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/site/email.html

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