Homeworkers 'exploited' by firms

Many people working from home have no minimum wage or sick pay

People who work from home are losing out on pay and employment rights, with some earning as little as 73p an hour, according to a new report.

The government has been urged to implement international labour standards to protect the million people who work from home in the UK.

The TUC, Oxfam and the National Group on Homeworking said employment rights for "isolated" staff must be improved.

They called on retailers to ensure they gave decent pay and conditions.

The reality is that many employers prey upon and exploit their vulnerable position for their own ends Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary

The TUC said the research had found some people working from home were paid less than the minimum wage "in complete breach of the law".

Many workers often had no sick pay and were forced to work overtime, the report said.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC union, said: "The main problem is that homeworkers are often isolated, without the support of workmates or a union to speak up for them.

I did enjoy it but I wouldn't do it if I had the time again Former homeworker Enid Enid's 45-hour, £35 week

"Many are not 'employees' and so lack even the most basic employment rights including protection against unfair dismissal and maternity leave.

"Legally all homeworkers should be getting the minimum wage and holiday pay, but the reality is that many employers prey upon and exploit their vulnerable position for their own ends."

'Double standards'

A spokeswoman for the Department of Trade and Industry said the UK was "already getting with grips to tackling the exploitation of homeworkers".

She said: "In October new laws will change the way homeworkers must be paid, ensuring that they will be paid a rate that is linked to the national minimum wage.

"And the government is undertaking an employment status review that is looking at the coverage of employment rights, including the position of homeworkers. "

The DTI also funds a helpline - 0800 174 095 - that aims to raise awareness among homeworkers of their rights.

The TUC, Oxfam and the National Group on Homeworking also called for improved employment rights for agency and casual staff, and people working abroad making goods for sale in the UK.

Phil Bloomer, head of Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign, said their research uncovered the "double standards" of retailers who pushed suppliers to produce cheaper products at the expense of workers' rights.