Legal Updates

Government plans crackdown on ''rogue employers''

Date:  06 Aug 2008

The government will crackdown on rogue employers who abuse vulnerable workers as it aims to clean up the "dark corners" of the labour market, according to reports.

It is investing £6 million in an information campaign designed to cut out employer abuse and under-payment, overseen by the newly-formed Fair Employment Enforcement Board.

The move comes as the minimum wage in England prepares to rise from £5.52 per hour to £5.73 in October.

Employment relations minister Pat McFadden said more needed to be done to safeguard people''s rights, claiming the government wanted to tackle "unscrupulous employers" who undercut honest competition and exploit workers.

He added: "Compared to a decade ago there are three million more people in work in Britain and they all enjoy more employment rights than they would have in the past.

"Important minimum standards on wages, paid leave, maternity leave and conditions have been put in place.

Mr McFadden suggested it was necessary to "boost awareness" of employment rights and ensure they are properly enforced.

Employers may wish to consult an employment law specialist to clarify the extent of their duties and obligations towards employers.

Lynne Burns is an employment law specialist working at Vizards Tweedie and dealing with all aspects of employment law.

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