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date: 16 June 2011

embargo: For immediate release

CBI and government isolated over rights for domestic workers

Commenting on the adoption of a convention on the rights of domestic workers at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva today (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The international community - governments, employers and unions - have united to support this convention to give dignity and respect to 50 million domestic workers around the world. Justice for domestic workers is long overdue in the UK, as well as in developing countries.

'I am appalled that the CBI voted against the convention and that the British government abstained. The votes show that employers and governments around the world disagreed with their lack of compassion - they are thoroughly isolated and should be ashamed of their position.

'I am calling on the government - with the help of the TUC, and hopefully the support of the CBI - to restore its credibility and ratify the convention for the benefit of domestic workers in Britain.

'The TUC is now setting up a campaign for ratification, in alliance with domestic workers themselves as well as concerned charities and NGOs.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The ILO conference is made up of government, employer and union delegates, and voted for the convention by 396 for, 16 against and 63 abstentions (83 per cent in favour, 3.5 per cent against, and 13.5 per cent abstaining).

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 16 Jun 2011