Workers are encouraged to come forward with stories

Low pay, long hours and unsafe working conditions are among the issues to be addressed by the Commission on Vulnerable Employment.

The group, which has been established by the TUC, wants to expose poor treatment and look at how staff can be protected by government and bosses.

Workers who feel exploited are urged to come forward with their stories.

Business leaders have joined the commission, which plans to talk to exploited workers, including migrants and those working at home.

The TUC said that as many as one in five workers could experience poor pay and conditions.

'Hidden experiences'

"Most people will have the odd grumble about their job, but are treated fairly most of the time," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

"But some workers still experience rank exploitation that Charles Dickens would recognise.

"Most of the time their experience is hidden, but we have had a recent rash of shocking exposures of poor treatment."

Among the business leaders on the commission are Serco chairman Kevin Beeston and Jaeger chief executive Belinda Earl.

"The commission is important because there is a real lack of information about the most vulnerable workers in our society," Mr Beeston said.