Industry News - Article NW0056

Monday May 3, 2010

New Government vulnerable workers’ helpline welcomed by REC

The REC has welcomed the new Government Pay and Work Rights helpline, which is going live today to help vulnerable workers seek advice about their rights and report abuses of those rights.

The helpline has been developed in conjunction with employers, trade unions and various Government enforcement agencies following recommendations from the Vulnerable Workers Enforcement Forum of which the REC was a member. It will give workers guidance on issues such as the National Minimum Wage, Gangmaster licensing and employment agency standards.

Commenting on the new helpline, Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of External Relations said: “The minority of rogue providers who mistreat workers are also in the business of undercutting legitimate agencies.

“The REC has consistently called for better enforcement of existing regulations and for a more joined-up approach by different Government inspectorates. Today’s launch is a step in the right direction and co-incides with the REC’s own Serious About Standards campaign as well as ongoing work with employers to promote good practice in the supply chain."

Fola Tayo, the REC Head of Professional Standards, added: “Making it easier for workers to flag up clear examples of bad practice is crucial and will put the spotlight on those providers who knowingly and systematically breach regulations.

“We know from the REC’s own complaints investigations that the key challenge is generating first-hand evidence of non-compliance which is why we believe this helpline can play such a positive role.”

industry news index