FairSquare and partner organisations have called on the new Labour government to introduce a range of reforms to the UK’s employment and immigration systems to better protect migrant workers.

FairSquare and other migrants’ rights organisations have produced a briefing for the new government on the actions needed to ensure the safety and dignity of migrant workers in the UK. The briefing specifically calls for:

• basic employment rights for all workers from day one, regardless of immigration status;
• ending the use of tied visas and ensuring migrant workers can change employer;
• the creation of a Single Enforcement Body, to prevent labour exploitation and enforce labour rights and standards;
• access to safe reporting for migrant workers, to ensure that immigration status does not deter migrant workers from reporting abusive practices; and
• ensuring migrant workers can access employment tribunals.

The King’s Speech set out the new Labour government’s commitment “to legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights”, plans originally detailed in its Make Work Pay document, published ahead of the election. This document, however, makes only one reference to migrant workers, and Labour’s plans with regard to immigration reform remain vague.

FairSquare is working with partner organisations in the Worker Interest Group to advocate for an overhaul of the seasonal agricultural work route. Media reports published over the last year highlighting the serious, ongoing exploitation in the section indicate that urgent action is required from government to better protect these workers.