"Low-skilled workers 'at risk of exploitation'", 8 Jul 2014

Low-skilled, vulnerable workers are at risk of exploitation because of lax labour checks, a report has warned. The government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) found employment rules were either not being properly enforced or were being flouted by employers. This affected workers from both the UK and abroad...MAC researchers warned the agencies tasked with tackling exploitation were weak and underfunded...Statistically, employers could expect a minimum wage compliance visit from HMRC inspectors just once in 250 years, the report found. And at current rates they would face prosecution for breaching labour laws only every million years...Non-payment of the minimum wage and other cases of exploitation have become more "pervasive" since 2007, the report's authors said. Horticulture and food manufacturing were highlighted among the worst offenders...