Problems with language and a poor understanding of the culture in British workplaces means that migrant workers may need extra help from employers and unions to stay safe at work, according to the TUC.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber says: “Employers should be doing more to keep all their employees safe and well, wherever they come from. And in workforces with many migrant workers, where language difficulties pose potential problems, bosses need to make that extra effort to ensure everyone knows how to stay safe at work.

“The government must stump up more money so that unscrupulous employers who flout the law are brought into line. Too often migrant workers face huge risks to their health, safety and welfare simply because their employers are fail to carry out sufficient safety checks. Not providing protective equipment, failing to offer training, ignoring working time rules and paying illegal poverty wages is sadly an all too common experience for many workers who come to the UK.”

The TUC has launched “Safety & migrant workers: A practical guide for safety representatives.”