TUC study reveals systematic exploitation of migrant workers

A new report commissioned by the Trades Union Congress reveals that thousands of Polish and Lithuanian workers are being exploited at work in the UK. Over 475,000 Lithuanian and Polish workers have come to work in the UK since 2004. The survey which was conducted by Compas, a research department at Oxford University, demonstrates that most workers had to endure insecure and poorly paid employment- over 50% of the respondents were facing problems at work. 25% of the workers stated that they don’t have a written contract. The same number of workers got irregular payment, such as late salary, no overtime payments, or unauthorised deductions.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ‚This study reveals systematic abuse of migrant workers which is tantamount to modern day slavery. Too many unscrupulous bosses are getting rich by exploiting migrant workers and the full force of the law should be used against those profiting from such appalling ill treatment.” The study also shows that the so-called “tied-cottage”, where employers provide accommodation for their employees and thereby increase their control over migrant workers, has been re-introduced. Nearly a third of the workers in the report were living in accommodation provided by their employer, and as a result described excessive hours (due to their employment being linked to where they lived) and poor living conditions. Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC regional secretary states: „Increasing the number of workers who come here to live and work is an essential part of the economic success of the region. Where migrant workers face exploitation and dreadful treatment this is going to harm our chances of attracting further workers to come here.“