The Government confirmed on the 8th June a powerful new workers’ watchdog will be created to protect the rights of UK workers.
The watchdog will be responsible for tackling modern slavery, protecting agency workers and enforcing the minimum wage, which are currently managed by 3 different bodies.
Business minister Paul Scully quoted
“This new workers’ watchdog will help us crack down on any abuses of workers’ rights and take action against companies that turn a blind eye to abuses within their supply chains, while providing a one-stop shop for employees and businesses wanting to understand their rights and obligations.”
Employers who fail to pay workers what they are owed can face fines of up to £20,000 per worker and will be named and shamed for their actions publicly.
Guidance will be provided to employers regarding their duties towards employee’s. Employees will also know what their rights are and be able to whistle blow employers who are not adhering to the guidance.
We welcome this news as it will ensure rogue industry providers are uncovered and workers are not subject to any tax avoidance schemes, minimum wage disputes and unlawful deduction. Which means compliant providers and agencies will not be penalised for doing things by the book.
Crawford Temple CEO and founder of Professional Passport recently published a report The Good The Bad and The Ugly – Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the umbrella and payment intermediary sector click here to read.
If any of the points raised in the report send alarm bells ringing now is the time to take action to ensure your supply chain is compliant and workers are protected.
Contact us for a confidential chat to discuss how we can support your business and workers via our compliant payroll services Tel: 01252 863700 or email: sales@epayme.co.uk
Source: HMRC updates