SWU among unions calling for Government to end ‘rampant’ exploitation of migrant workers

20 trade unions including SWU, the TUC, the RMT, and the PCS union have condemned the Government’s attempts to ‘pit’ workers against each other and are calling for urgent action to advance the rights of migrant workers, including undocumented people, and to end migrant worker exploitation.

The unions’ calls come amidst a renewed commitment to the hostile environment from Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who announced he would increase immigration raids on workplaces by 50% this year and re-start data-sharing of undocumented people’s bank accounts. It also comes in the wake of the Government announcing draconian anti-strike laws which would effectively remove this vital organising tool from tens of thousands of workers.

Signatories of the jointly signed statement, which was coordinated by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), say these hostile policies along with Government’s temporary visa schemes – which have been significantly expanded since 2019 – are putting migrant workers at increased risk of abuse and exploitation.

Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary at the TUC, said:

"No matter your background, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity at work. This government has created a system where exploitation of migrant workers is rampant. From unpaid wages, to debt bondage and forced labour, to being sacked without notice – migrant workers are routinely treated appallingly by their employers, who are too often allowed to get away scot-free.

“The government has totally failed to protect migrant workers from exploitative employers. That’s why the TUC will continue to demand action from government and stand up for migrant workers."

In December last year, the Government announced an additional 45,000 seasonal worker visas, up from 10,000 in 2020, despite labour exploitation experts raising significant concerns about the scheme. A 2021 report by the FLEX and the University of Fife found that 62% of respondents who came to the UK on a Seasonal Worker visa had gone into debt to take up their roles here, putting them at high risk of exploitation.

A spokesperson from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) said:

“Every worker should be able to report abuse or mistreatment they’ve suffered on the job without fear, but this government is currently prioritising anti-migrant hostility over exploitation-free workplaces. The only people this benefits are predatory bosses – levelled up rights for migrant workers, on the other hand, would benefit all workers.”

SWU is proud to campaign with JCWI for the rights of all migrant workers, especially people who are undocumented.

Read the full Migrant Workers’ Pledge here.

Signatories of this statement include ASLEF, BFAWU, Community, IWW, ITF, IWGB, Musicians Union, NASUWT, NUJ, NEU, RMT, SWU, the TUC, UCU, UNISON, Unite, USDAW, USW, URTU, and the PCS.

If you represent a trade union and want to sign the pledge, contact: campaigns@jcwi.org.uk