An undercover journalist working for the BBC has reported of his experience of working for a licensed gangmaster and being paid under the National Minimum Wage. After three weeks, he received £97 for 20 hours’ work in his first week, although £50 was deducted for accommodation costs.

He also had money deducted for accommodation without it being shown on his payslip, which is illegal, and was forced to live in overcrowded accommodation.

In a TUC press release Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said:

“This case underlines TUC concerns about the deregulation of agency workers, which allows rogue employers to flourish. Too many unscrupulous bosses are getting rich by exploiting migrant workers and the full force of the law should be used against those profiting from such appalling ill treatment.

The TUC has today also written to HM Revenue & Customs National Minimum Wage enforcement unit urging a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by the BBC.

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