The government it set to launch a single enforcement body to protect workers’ rights and clamp down on unscrupulous employment practices. The new body – yet to be named – will be responsible for tackling modern slavery, enforcing the payment of the national minimum wage and protecting the rights of agency workers.
Currently, these activities are carried out by three separate bodies: the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HM Revenue & Customs’ national minimum wage enforcement team. The body will also ensure that workers get the holiday pay and sick pay they are entitled to, without having to make a claim to an employment tribunal.
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy said the body will be established through primary legislation “when parliamentary time allows”.
