For the first time, the 3 agencies are centralising their intelligence, enabling the director to draw up an annual strategy targeting sectors and regionsSir David, who was chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee until August 2016, will set the strategic priorities for the:
- Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
- Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate
- HMRC’s National Minimum Wage enforcement team
For the first time, the 3 agencies are centralising their intelligence, enabling the director to draw up an annual strategy targeting sectors and regions which are vulnerable to unscrupulous employment practices. He is also working alongside the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to better tackle exploitation and slavery in the labour market.
The announcement comes ahead of the launch of a £1.7 million national minimum and living wage awareness raising campaign later this month. It will help make sure the UK’s lowest paid workers receive the correct rates of pay when they increase on 1 April 2017 and know what steps to take if they do not.
Sir David Metcalf said:
“I’m very excited to be taking on this new role, drawing together the important work of these 3 labour market enforcement teams.
“While the UK is by and large a fair and safe place to work, there are still rogue employers who exploit their workers and undercut honest businesses. As the government has made clear, this will not go unpunished.”
Business Minister Margot James said:
“Sir David’s extensive experience will be invaluable in this hugely important role to help stamp out workplace exploitation and ensure that when unscrupulous employment practices are found, justice is done for those affected.
“Sir David’s extensive experience will be invaluable in this hugely important role to help stamp out workplace exploitation and ensure that when unscrupulous employment practices are found, justice is done for those affected.
“As we have made clear, the government is determined to make sure the economy works for all. That’s why we are investing £1.7 million in a national minimum and living wage awareness raising campaign alongside a record £25.3 million on national minimum and living wage enforcement next year to make sure the UK’s lowest paid workers get the pay rise they deserve.”
Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism Sarah Newton said:
“Labour exploitation is absolutely unacceptable in a Britain that works for everyone. That is why we reformed the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, giving it the necessary powers to tackle labour abuse and exploitation across the economy.
“Sir David’s role will complement the world-leading action already taken by the government to tackle modern slavery including new powers for law enforcement agencies, increased support and protection for victims and the groundbreaking work to ensure transparency in supply chains.”
The announcement comes weeks after powers came into force which mean rogue employers now face up to 2 years in prison for serious or repeat labour market offences.
Last month the Chancellor also unveiled an extra £4.3 million a year in funding for national minimum and living wage enforcement, taking the government’s total spend to £25.3 million for next year.
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