Employers are exploiting migrant workers without fear of being prosecuted due to the small number of State labour inspectors, unions and immigrant support groups said yesterday.
SIPTU's regional secretary for the midlands and the south-east, Mr Mike Jennings, said there were just 21 labour inspectors, which was too few to monitor employers' actions meaningfully.
"There are 700 tax inspectors, 400 social welfare inspectors, more than 40 forestry inspectors and 40-50 dog wardens. That really sums up the Government's priorities when it comes to this area," Mr Jennings said.
While most employers treated staff well, there was a "significant minority" underpaying workers, making illegal deductions from their wages and denying them mandatory benefits, he said.
SIPTU and the Migrant Rights Centre yesterday called for an increase in labour inspectors and urged the Government to change the work-permit system to give employees greater rights.
They made the call at the launch of a leaflet providing details for migrant workers on how to find out more about their employment and social rights.