Growing number not obtaining rights in workplace, finds report

A growing number of workers are unable to assert their rights in the workplace, while there is continued "widespread abuse of the work permit system", a report from citizens advice agency Comhairle has found.

Drawing on data from the citizen information centres around the State, the report cites numerous cases of workers not knowing they are entitled to a national minimum wage; not getting their full holiday entitlements; not being allowed to take full maternity leave; and having to leave their jobs because of bullying and harassment.

There were 90,000 queries to Comhairle about employment rights last year, compared with 73,000 in 2003 and fewer than 50,000 in 2001.

"There is a huge deficiency in information," said Comhairle chief executive Leonie Lunny yesterday.

Author of the report Michael Brown said the major issue was the lack of effectiveness of employment legislation enforcement. "The cases cited throughout the report point to a significant gap between legislative protection and the ability of employees to enforce their rights."

Mr Brown said there was "widespread abuse of the work permit system by employers, with people on work permits being paid less than the statutory minimum wage and frequent breaches of other aspects of employment protection legislation. Excessive charges are being imposed by some employers in respect of work permit fees, accommodation and meal charges."

The provision in the new social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, for workers to hold the work permit rather than the employer should give non-Irish nationals working here better protection against such exploitation, he said.