A recent report has shed light on the alarming levels of exploitation and mistreatment faced by migrant workers in London, with instances of unpaid work, long hours, and abuse being
prevalent. The study, commissioned by Mayor Sadiq Khan, likened the findings to modern slavery.
The report uncovered distressing conditions for migrant workers, revealing that many of them regularly worked unpaid overtime or experienced significant delays in receiving their wages for completed work. In one specific study focusing on the Latin American community in London, it was discovered that three-quarters of respondents earned less than the London Living Wage, and approximately one in five reported instances of non-payment for their work.
Issues such as receiving lower wages than promised, improper deductions, and unclear payslips were also identified as recurring problems. Furthermore, the report highlighted the prevalence of bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment, particularly towards women working in the cleaning, care, and hospitality sectors.
The study emphasized the challenges faced by migrant workers in reporting abuse, citing fear of losing employment and accommodation as significant deterrents. Racism, including encounters with co-workers, managers, and customers, was described as a common experience for many migrant workers in London.
Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed shock at the survey's findings, stating that subjecting migrants to long hours without pay and racial abuse contradicted the principles of the city. To address these issues, he has launched a £750,000 investment to strengthen specialist support and advisory services for migrants. However, he emphasized the need for action at the national level as well.
Mayor Khan called on the government to urgently address employment rights violations and broader exploitation of migrants. He urged them to create a fairer London by taking the necessary steps to protect migrant workers and provide them with the support they desperately need.
In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of workers' concerns and encouraged individuals with evidence of abuse or wrongdoing to come forward. They highlighted the government's commitment to protecting the lowest-paid workers through initiatives like the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. They also mentioned backing new regulations to grant individuals on zero-hours contracts the right to request more predictable working patterns. Photo by DAVID HOLT from London, England, Wikimedia commons.