Thread by @FocusOnLabour

1/ JUST OUT: New FLEX research with @IWGBunion @UVWunion on the experiences of migrant workers in low-paid & insecure work during #COVID19 finds high risk of labour #exploitation

t.ly/lNX9

2/ The report shows how workers already vulnerable to labour abuse & exploitation because of low pay & job insecurity were made more so by the UK’s social security system & immigration restrictions like #NRPF.

3/ Participants faced issues including:
- Not being paid wages owed (44%)
- Being exposed to Covid-19 at work (17%)
- Being asked to work without social distancing or PPE (12%)
- Being forced to work when ill (8%)
- Redundancy (33%)
- Excessive workload (16%)
- Sexual harassment

4/ The report also finds that key social security measures such as furlough, Statutory Sick Pay and Universal Credit did not work for workers in low-paid and insecure work.

5/ Issues with furlough:
- There was no incentive for employers to furlough workers on 0h / casual contracts, leading to mass redundancies
- No role for workers or unions to challenge furlough decisions
- Wages fell below the legal minimum as furlough paid at only 80%

6/ Issues with Statutory Sick Pay:
- It is not enough to live on + only paid from 4th day of illness, forcing people to keep working when ill
- Lower earnings limit of £120/week/employer excludes people on low wages working part-time or multiple jobs
- Not enforced by the state

7/ Issues with Universal Credit:
- Applying for UC is so complex many are unable to access it without support from an already overburdened civil society
- 5-week wait + low payments increase risk of destitution
- Many are left with no support due to immigration status #NRPF

8/ These findings are especially important in the current context where the pandemic has led to a surge in the number of people in need of welfare support & where Brexit has led to an increase in the numbers of migrants with no or limited access to social security

9/ The report provides a basis for understanding why a well-functioning social security system is crucial for preventing labour exploitation & outlines key changes needed to ensure the UK’s social safety net does not fail the growing number of people in low-paid & insecure work

10/ Recommendations to govt include:
- Addressing low pay & insecurity at work eg by regulating 0h contracts & proactively enforcing labour law
- Reforming key social security provisions
- Ensuring immigration policy doesn't bar people from accessing vital support

11/ With thanks to our Peer Researchers, @IWGBunion @UVWunion members, staff & volunteers @publiclawcentre @Kalayaan @lawrsuk @rightsofwomen @kanlunganuk @JCWI_UK @GlassDoorLondon @Project17UK @RomaSupport @WORCrights @UnboundPhilanth @phf_uk @trustforlondon for their support