LONDON – The UK government has launched a new workers’ rights watchdog which it says will “take action against companies that turn a blind eye to abuses in their supply chains”.
In particular, authorities are keen to address compliance within the garment manufacturing sector after factories in Leicester were last year found to be paying staff less than the country’s minimum wage.
Business minister Paul Scully said: “This government has been absolutely clear that we will do whatever we can to protect and enhance workers' rights. The vast majority of businesses want to do right by their staff, but there are a minority who seem to think the law doesn't apply to them. Exploitative practices like modern slavery have no place in society.”
