A five point plan for effective enforcement of employment rights in the UK
Author
Senior Policy Officer - trade union and employment law
Report type
Research and reports
Issue date
Introduction
Workers’ rights are set for a significant upgrade.
The new government was elected on a platform that included making the minimum wage a living wage, basic individual rights from day one and expanded family-friendly working.
These support a drive to ensure that good quality work underpins an economic recovery after years of lacklustre growth and flatlining pay.
However, new rights are only worth something if they are upheld.
And the enforcement system in this country is at breaking point.
Trade unions are often the first line of defence for workers, acting informally to resolve disputes and ensure employers honour their duties. But currently only a quarter of workers are covered by collective agreements, where there are mechanisms to bargain on pay and resolve disputes in the workplace.
The tribunal system is under strain with a backlog of tens of thousands of cases. Parties wait nearly a year on average for even a preliminary hearing.
And the state enforcement system is underfunded with vastly fewer inspectors than required by international standards.
The incoming government has pledged to introduce a Fair Work Agency bringing together several existing state enforcement bodies “to ensure greater coordination in the face of complex enforcement challenges.” 1
This report sets out a...
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