August 06, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 3, 1429

LONDON, Aug 5: Rogue bosses who exploit vulnerable workers with low pay and poor working conditions will be exposed as part of a new crackdown launched by the government on Tuesday.

More inspectors with strengthened powers will check standards in the workplace and impose stronger penalties on culprits under plans announced by Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden.

A new single telephone helpline will help workers report mistreatment or illegal pay rates and a six million pound campaign will boost awareness of workers’ rights. There would be “no hiding place” for employers who are not prepared to obey the law, the minister said.

“There are still dark corners of the labour market where rogue employers seek to mistreat their workers and more needs to be done to safeguard people’s rights,” McFadden said.

“We want to prevent unscrupulous employers who undercut honest competition and prey on people who are fearful or so desperate to earn a living that they are open to exploitation.”

The government set up a new Fair Employment Enforcement Board after it emerged there was a low awareness of employment rights and knowledge of non-compliant employers.

The board will be chaired by the minister and made up of figures from business, trade unions and enforcement agencies.

It will coordinate the work of the government enforcement agencies covering the minimum wage, health and safety, employment agencies and gangmasters after it became apparent the five existing bodies were operating separately with little consultation.Part of the campaign is also to protect those businesses who abide by the law, McFadden said.—Reuters