Commenting on new measures to be included in the government’s employment rights bill to penalise care firms who exploit care workers who come to the UK, UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said today (Thursday):
“At last, the UK has a government prepared to take the exploitation of overseas workers seriously and, more importantly, act to stop bad employers from exploiting at whim.
“But cracking down on unscrupulous bosses must go hand in hand with more support for the workers themselves. Unions are doing all they can to advise frightened individuals, but the problem is bigger than anyone can imagine.
“Migrant workers responded to calls from the previous government to come here to help the care sector in its hour of need. But all the thanks many have been given is ill treatment, poverty pay and excessive hours.
“It’s no wonder so many have already left for pastures new and are now working in countries where their skills and experience are better appreciated.
“Once the fair pay agreement in care is up and running, and if ministers change the rules so staff aren’t tied to their employer as visa sponsors, it’ll be harder for dodgy bosses to use threats against overseas care workers.
“But the jewel in the crown will surely be the establishment of a national care service that will raise standards, effectively banishing poor employment practices from the entire sector.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s biggest union and the largest in the NHS and ambulance sector. It has more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
