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18/12/2006
Migrant workers in the UK are facing exploitation and danger at work, the TUC has warned. In a speech to a 11 December TUC conference in London, organised to encourage unions and agencies to work together to help migrant workers get fairer treatment at work and in their everyday lives, TUC deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady said that while some migrant workers have a positive experience of working in Britain, "the day-to-day reality many face is exploitation, dangerous working conditions, and employment far below their skill level. These problems are often made worse by a lack of English, little awareness of basic rights, and public prejudice". She added: "The only way to prevent employers from using migrant labour to undercut terms and conditions, and to prevent exploitation, is through stronger rights, better enforcement of the law, and trade union organisation. Whether they are from Warrington or Warsaw, Burnley or Bucharest, Lancaster or Lagos, all workers should be treated with respect, treated equally and paid a decent, living wage. That way, everybody benefits." She said unions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), citizens' advice bureaux, charities, welfare organisations and community groups "must work in partnership towards a common goal – fairness for migrant workers".
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