New research reveals abuse and exploitation of migrant domestic workers in the UK
New research published today by Oxfam and partner organisation Kalayaan reveals the extreme vulnerability of migrant domestic workers in the UK. Migrant domestic workers come to Britain with their employers from overseas to work in their homes; the majority of them are poor women from developing countries.
The New Bonded Labour? report reveals that some migrant domestic workers are sexually and physically abused by their employers in the UK and many are exploited and badly treated.
Migrant domestic workers have the legal status of workers in the UK – and are entitled to rights such as the minimum wage, time off, etc. Yet, of more than 300 workers registered with Kalayaan in 2006, 43% of workers reported not being given their own bed, 41% were not given regular meals, 70% were given no time off, 61% were not allowed out of the house without their employer’s permission. In addition, 10% reported sexual abuse, 26% physical abuse and 72% psychological abuse at the hands of their employers. Many workers were paid as little as 50p an hour, were made to work up to 16 hours a day, and were on constant call to their employers.
Last week, the Home Office dropped proposed visa changes which would tie domestic workers to one employer – a move welcomed by Oxfam and Kalayaan who had warned that the changes would encourage ‘bonded labour’ in the UK. But despite this positive development, migrant domestic workers remain extremely vulnerable.
Kate Wareing, Oxfam UK Poverty Director said:
“Our report reveals that migrant domestic workers come from some of the poorest countries in the world to become some of the most vulnerable and exploited people in the UK. It is vital they retain they right to change employer beyond the two-year period that the government has just promised. And we urge the government to take further steps to protect domestic workers by increasing awareness about both their vulnerability and their legal rights among the police, health service workers, immigration and embassy officials, and other agencies who work with them.”
Kate Roberts of Kalayaan said:
“Our research details the horrific levels of abuse of migrant domestic workers in private households in the UK, despite their legal rights. ‘Jenny’ was beaten by her employer over three years and eventually had to run away with the help of a neighbour. ‘Mary’ is now blind in one eye since her employer threw hot tea at her. The stories of these workers are unfortunately not unusual. In addition to the government’s welcomed commitment to retain the domestic worker visa, additional action must be taken against abusive employers who break the law – and more support provided for domestic workers.”
For more information, see the Oxfam web pages>>>
and here to download the full report pdf The New Bonded Labour?>>>
