Vulnerable worker protection board

Unions, business groups and government departments have joined forces to set up the Fair Employment Enforcement Board to help protect vulnerable workers from unscrupulous employers.

The board, which met for the first time on 5 November, will oversee the launch of an enforcement helpline for workers and unions to report cases of mistreatment, and will also launch a sustained campaign to raise workers’ awareness of basic employment rights. The board, helpline and campaign were recommendations of the TUC’s Commission on Vulnerable Employment.

General secretary of the TUC, Brendan Barber, said: “Many, including agency workers and home workers, do not enjoy their proper legal rights including the minimum wage, working time limits and paid holidays.

“We welcome these moves to improve enforcement of existing rights and make sure that workers and bosses know their rights and obligations.”

An information booklet for vulnerable workers and advice bodies is available at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm