 Migrant Portuguese workers are to meet trades union officials |
A campaign is under way to tackle claims by Portuguese agricultural workers in the East of England they are being exploited by gangmasters. It is alleged that some employers have misled workers, telling them they are in Britain illegally, and do not have any employment rights.
Portuguese community representatives are to discuss the problem with British and Portuguese trade union officials.
Talks have included the Race Equality Council and Euro MP Richard Howitt.
Employment guarantees
At meetings in Thetford and Peterborough, Mr Howitt said knowledge of European employment rights is the key to ending the abuses.
"European employment law already guarantees rights for temporary workers.
"If these were properly understood by the Portuguese workers, it could significantly strengthen their protection against abuses by the gangmasters.
"I am delighted to support this joint initiative between British and Portuguese trade unions to do just that.
Unrealistic promises
"Migrant workers in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire are actually being recruited by British-based agencies with branches in Portugal and elsewhere.
"But they use unrealistic promises that workers can make a fortune in Britain.
"The grim reality for too many has been inhuman living and working conditions, which further changes in European law should also address.
"This should include new rights for trade unions themselves to tackle the whole problem of undeclared work, as well as direct European funding to tackle the abuses."
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