date: Monday 11 August 2008

embargo: 00.01hrs Wednesday 13 August 2008

TUC launches website to support the Portuguese workforce in the UK

The TUC today (Wednesday) launches a new Portuguese language website to support the large number of Portuguese workers in the UK.

The website www.trabalharnoreinounido.org explains the rights workers can expect at work, from the national minimum wage (NMW) and working time, through to holiday entitlement and sick pay. The website - launched with the Citizens Advice service (CAB) and Portuguese union Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses (CGTP) - also contains information about social issues such as housing and health, and guidance about what living and working in the UK is really like.

Over the last 20 years more than 500,000 Portuguese workers have come to the UK to make their living. As EU nationals, the Portuguese are legally entitled to work in the UK, but sadly many of them have fallen prey to unscrupulous employers and have been forced to work long hours for little pay, in unsafe workplaces with few employment rights.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Portuguese workers are making a substantial contribution to all levels of Britain's economy, including sectors like catering, agriculture and hospitality which would struggle without their hard work.

'However, some rogue employers are taking advantage of this workforce, and exploiting their lack of understanding of British working culture and problems with language.

'Portugal has a long history of exporting labour, but it is clear Portuguese workers need help to understand and secure their rights. By using this new website and working with unions, advice agencies and other similar organisations, migrant workers can get all the support and protection from crooked employers they are entitled to.'

The website is launched in conjunction with a leaflet Viver E Trabalhar no Reino Unido: Os Seus Directos (Living and working in the UK: Your rights), written jointly by the TUC and the CAB. The guide gives useful advice and tips for new arrivals on living in the UK, and focuses on issues that might cause problems at work.

There are sections on housing, council tax, TV licences, energy suppliers, as well as advice on how to access healthcare, open a bank account and find a suitable school. The work section of the guide covers national insurance and tax, the minimum wage, holidays, agency workers, and health and safety.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (600 words) issued 13 Aug 2008