Workplace inspections are often lacking or ineffective, enabling unscrupulous employers to exploit their workers, finds the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ latest report. Tightening up inspections to combat abuse and empower workers to report abuse are some ways FRA suggests to help end severe labour exploitation...

The report, ‘Protecting migrant workers from exploitation in the EU: boosting workplace inspections,’ collected first-hand accounts from nearly 250 exploited workers from EU and non-EU countries.

Over a half had not witnessed or heard of workplace inspections. They mentioned how many employers had advance warning of inspections enabling them to cover up malpractices. This in turn undermined workers’ trust in inspections... 

Member States should pay special attention to the construction and food sectors where exploitation is likely. They should also find ways to inspect domestic work...

Inspectors should also ensure inspections focus on workers’ rights and working conditions rather than the immigration status of workers.

To make inspections more effective, Member States should train inspectors to spot exploitation...

This report is the second in a series that captures the views and experiences of victims of labour exploitation.

It builds on earlier FRA work that spoke to professionals about severe labour exploitation.