Vulnerable workers can now seek advice on workplace rights and report abuses of those rights through a helpline launched by business minister Pat McFadden today.

The new Pay and Work Rights helpline forms part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of workplace rights enforced by the government, providing a unified point of contact for both employers and workers.

Developed in co-operation with employers, trade unions and the different enforcement agencies advice will cover:

• National minimum wage
• Agricultural minimum wage
• Working time (48 hour average working week)
• Employment agency standards
• Gangmaster licensing

McFadden says: “This government has done a lot to improve rights at work but it’s also essential to make sure these rights are properly enforced. A simple system for reporting abuses and giving advice and information to employers and workers is a critical part of that.

“By consolidating the current complex system of different helplines for different issues into one single number we are making it easier for workers to report abuses and for government to respond. We want to transfer the burden of navigating the system from the worker to the government. This is an important step and we are determined that the recession does not become an excuse to deny people their basic rights at work.”

Tom Hadley, the REC’s director of external relations, adds: “The minority of rogue providers who mistreat workers are also in the business of undercutting legitimate agencies.

“The REC has consistently called for better enforcement of existing regulations and for a more joined-up approach by different government inspectorates. Today’s launch is a step in the right direction and coincides with the REC’s own Serious About Standards campaign as well as ongoing work with employers to promote good practice in the supply chain.”

The helpline, based in Manchester and staffed by specialist, passes information to the relevant enforcement body to take further action where appropriate.