Laura Sharman 25 March 2015

Councils call for power to tackle rogue employers

Councils should be given the power to tackle businesses who fail to pay workers the national minimum wage, according to a new report.

Newham Council, in partnership with GMB, has published a report estimating staff are losing £533m every year due to ?exploitative? businesses who flout the law.

Pay By The Rules shows that in the London borough alone, 17% of working residents were paid less than the minimum wage, costing the average worker £2,260 a year.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales said: '?Local authorities have the interests of their residents at heart, and are best placed to identify rogue businesses. We'?re already aware of companies that flout licensing, planning, trading standards and waste rules and are able to take action.'

?With additional powers to tackle underpayment of NMW, councils could make a substantial difference to residents? lives. All we need is a government who are willing to act to improve the lives people nationwide.? The report has been backed by Labour who pledged to give local authorities more power to tackle rogue employers if they are voted into power.

Shadow business secretary, Chuka Umunna, said: '?Labour local authorities like Newham are leading the way in tackling low pay. Councils must be given the tools and powers they need to beef up local enforcement and make sure everyone at work gets paid what they are entitled to under the law.?'

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Residential Youth Practitioner

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Move On Service provides intensive supported housing accommodation for young people aged 16 to 18 years who are in the care of the local authority, working to create individual plans for those requiring additional support for their transition towards Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Locality and Community Support Worker - North

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Locality & Community Support Service in North Oxfordshire are seeking to recruit a Locality Support Worker to join their Locality & Community Support Team. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic worker who is passionate about improving outc Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner