About CoVE
The Commission on Vulnerable Employment was established by the TUC because of its belief that the well-being of any single worker and their family is too important to be left unprotected. The TUC recognises that the economic and social cohesion of the UK is in large part based on the receipt of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, the continuing health and safety of people at work, and the expectation of a decent level of security in employment and income. We know well from historical and current experience that when communities can no longer expect these characteristics in their working life, social and economic breakdown can follow.
The TUC therefore established the Commission on Vulnerable Employment, to undertake a major investigation of the causes of and solutions to such ‘vulnerable employment’, which it defines as “precarious work that places people at risk of continuing poverty and injustice resulting from an imbalance of power in the employer-worker relationship.” The Commission on was established in February 2007. The Commission members come from business, academia, trade unions and civil society organisations – all were selected for their expertise and experience. Their work programme has involved seven evidence sessions, four regional fieldtrips, review of five independent research studies and an extensive public consultation.
Its final and consensual report was published in May 2008. Its recommendations consider how government, civil society organisations, employers and trade unions can work together to improve the lives of Britain’s most vulnerable workers.
