Unite calls for extension of Gangmaster Licensing to the
construction industry
16 June 2009
Unite, the union for construction workers, is demanding
legislation to regulate gangmasters who exploit migrant workers in
the UK building industry.
Crooked gangmasters are avoiding regulation by moving into the
construction industry from the agriculture and food sectors.
The government introduced the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority
in 2004, after the Morecambe Bay disaster, which saw a number of
Chinese workers drown, but this only covers certain sectors. Labour
MP, Jim Sheridan’s proposal would embrace construction, which is
strongly backed by Unite and other unions.
Unite has unearthed a growing list of abuses of migrant labour
in the UK construction industry. The vast majority of abused
workers have been supplied by agencies in countries with lower wage
economies. Not only do these workers get paid below the agreed rate
of pay for trade, they also suffer disproportionate deductions from
their wages as well as poor health and safety regulations.
Illegal gangmasters are supplying unskilled labour to major
construction companies and their subcontractors to carry out
skilled and dangerous work without taking into consideration the
safety consequences.
Bob Blackman, Unite national officer for construction, said: "We
are all fully aware of the dangerous environment that our members
in the construction industry face. Migrant workers who come to this
country for legitimate work are often lured into the twilight world
of illegal gangmasters.
"We must focus on the real villains in this case and that is the
gangmasters. Unite has found that those who have suffered under the
once poor agricultural working conditions are now experiencing the
same problems in the construction industry.
"Health and safety is essential to those in the building trade
and our members have the fundamental right to return safe after a
days work.
"Unite fully support Jim Sheridan’s Bill to see gangmaster
licensing legislation extended to the construction industry."
ENDS
More information contact: Mark Di-Toro on 07918 640 579.
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