UK & World News: Rogue employer crackdown announced

The Government has announced a new crackdown on rogue employers who abuse vulnerable workers, aimed at cleaning up the "dark corners" of the labour market. An information campaign will be launched to raise awareness of employment rights, and workers will be able to call a special helpline to report mistreatment or illegal pay rates. Unions welcomed the move, but expressed disappointment that coverage of the Gangmasters' Licensing Authority was not being extended to sectors such as construction, care and hospitality. A new Fair Employment Enforcement Board will co-ordinate the work of agencies which check that firms pay the minimum wage as well as those with responsibility for health and safety, employment and gangmasters, it was announced. Employment relations minister Pat McFadden, who chaired a forum on vulnerable workers,... [read full story]