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30/10/2007
The TUC has launched a new Polish language website to support the increasing number of Polish workers in the UK. The website run by the TUC in partnership with Citizens Advice and Solidarnosc, explains the rights workers can expect at work, including health and safety, working time, holiday entitlement and sick pay.
There's also information about social issues such as housing and health and guidance about what living and working in the UK is really like. Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, hundreds of thousands of Polish workers have joined the UK workforce. TUC says many of these workers have fallen prey to unscrupulous employers and have been forced to work long hours for little pay, in unsafe workplaces with very few employment rights.
General secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Polish workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain's economy, and sectors like agriculture and construction would struggle without their valuable contribution. However, some rogue employers are taking advantage of this new, vulnerable workforce, and exploiting their lack of understanding of British working culture and problems with language.' He added: 'It is clear Polish workers need help both to understand and also secure their rights. By using this new website and working with unions, advice agencies and other similar organisations, migrant workers can get all the support and protection from crooked employers they are entitled to.'
TUC head of safety Hugh Robertson said: 'This site will hopefully be of use to Polish workers in the UK who face difficulties on health and safety. Basic health and safety information is already on the site and this will be expanded over the coming months. We would also encourage unions that have produced materials electronically in Polish to send them to the TUC so we can link to them.'
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