GANGMASTERS (LICENSING) ACT 2004 AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Early day motion 1921, tabled 30 June 2008 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 74 members.

That this House is shocked to learn that a migrant builder working for a sub-contractor on the £600 million NHS King's Mill Hospital, Mansfield recently received take home pay of just £8.80 for a 39 hour week after illegal deductions were made from his week's pay; is aware that other migrant workers on the site experienced deductions for tools and each had £76.80 deducted as their contribution to the construction industry scheme, effectively absolving their employer of national insurance contributions and holiday pay; applauds the efforts of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) for helping resolve the matter with the main contractor on the site, ensuring the men will be reimbursed; notes that in London where migrant workers form 42 per cent. of construction employment, UCATT considers that abuse is widespread; and calls on the Government to provide better protection to migrant workers by extending the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to the construction industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 64, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.