New funding ‘to strengthen employment law for migrants’

Posted 30/09/2009

The government has allocated funding for a new initiative designed to strengthen employment law protecting the rights of migrant workers in the UK.

Approximately £3 million will be committed to the plan of action over the next two years in order to help safeguard foreign-born employees of British firms from being underpaid or exploited.

Among the initiatives to be taken is a crackdown on unsafe working conditions which may lead to occupational personal injury, as well as renewed enforcement of workers’ rights to a minimum wage.

Communities secretary John Denham stated that the steps are necessary to create equitable and safe employment conditions for foreign workers.

He said: “The very fact that some migrants are being asked to work in dangerous conditions for poor wages is unacceptable … Employers [must ensure they] meet their obligations to all workers.”

Last month, the Forum of Private Businesses advised firms that proper adherence to employment law can help them to avoid the risk of being taken to a tribunal and other such unnecessary costs.