The TUC has launched a new Polish website to support the increasing number of Polish workers in the UK.
The website – run by the TUC in partnership with Citizens Advice and Polish trade union Solidarnosc – explains the rights they can expect at work, from the minimum wage and working time to holiday entitlement and sick pay.
It also covers information about social issues such as housing and health and guidance about what living and working in the UK is really like.
Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, hundreds of thousands of Polish workers have come to the UK to make their living.
However, the TUC claims many have fallen prey to unscrupulous employers, and have been forced to work long hours for little pay in unsafe workplaces with very few employment rights.
The union body has also set up a Commission on Vulnerable Employment to investigate the extent of workplace exploitation in the UK.
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TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “Polish workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain’s economy, and sectors like agriculture and construction would struggle without their valuable contribution.
“It is clear Polish workers need help both to understand and also secure their rights. By using this new website and working with unions, advice agencies and other similar organisations, migrant workers can get all the support and protection from crooked employers they are entitled to.”
