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date: 21 September 2009

embargo: 00.01hrs Tuesday 22 September 2009

New Government helpline will benefit workers and employers across the UK

Commenting on the launch of the Government's new Pay and Work Rights helpline today (Tuesday) TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This vital new helpline was a key recommendation of the TUC's Commission on Vulnerable Employment final report last year.

'It will ensure workers at risk of mistreatment by their employers not only have a phone number that they can call to find out about their rights to the minimum wage, excessive working hours and agency standards, but they can also ask for help in enforcing these rights.

'The helpline should also enable increased co-ordination between the national enforcement agencies, ensuring more effective enforcement of the law, another recommendation of the TUC's Commission.

'The helpline and enforcement agencies will champion the rights of vulnerable workers, and ensure that rogue employers who flout the law do not get away with it.

'This will not only benefit workers across the UK, but will also help employers by promoting fair competition and preventing good employers from being undercut by bad ones using unlawful practices.

'Everyone has the right to work in a safe and harmonious workplace and the easiest way to secure a better deal at work is joining a union. Union members are better paid, less likely to have an accident at work and are more likely to be offered the chance to develop professionally.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC will continue to work with Government to ensure the helpline delivers an effective service and increases compliance with employment rights.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 22 Sep 2009