Halt exploitation of homeworkers says Oxfam

A report published today has called on the UK Government to implement international labour standards to help end the exploitation of Britain’s one million homeworkers and other low paid workers.

The findings of a new report indicate that some homeworkers in the UK are getting as little as 73p per hour despite being entitled to £4.50 per hour.

Oxfam, the TUC and the National Group on Homeworking (NGH) have called on the Government to extend all employment rights to homeworkers and agency and casual workers under the current Employment Status Review.

The organisations would like to see the Government implement the International Convention on Homework, the international labour standard set down by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The three are also calling on retailers to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld throughout their supply chains - in the UK as well as internationally.

Phil Bloomer, Head of Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign said: "Our research uncovers the double standards of retailers who claim they want to uphold the rights of workers in their supply chain, while at the same time make it impossible for their suppliers to do so by demanding cheaper products at the expense of workers’ rights.

"Retailers and other employers get away with it because homeworkers are not entitled to the same labour rights that other workers have. Ensuring the minimum wage is paid is also key. At present homeworkers are entitled to £4.50 an hour, but seldom receive it, some getting as little as 73p per hour. The Government needs to take stronger measures to enforce payment."

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "The main problem is that homeworkers are often isolated, without the support of workmates or a union to speak up for them. Many are not ‘employees’ and so lack even the most basic employment rights including protection against unfair dismissal and maternity leave.

"Legally all homeworkers should be getting the minimum wage and holiday pay, but the reality is that many employers prey upon and exploit their vulnerable position for their own ends."

Linda Devereux , from the NGH said homeworking was a convenient way of working for many people, especially if they had caring responsibilities, but this was not a license to exploit them.

Oxfam, the TUC and NGH are calling on the UK Government to respond to the Employment Status consultation and act to extend all employment rights to homeworkers and other excluded groups; implement ILO standards for homeworkers; and strengthen enforcement of the National Minimum Wage by increasing the penalties for non-payment.

(SP)