FRA: Labour inspections to better protect migrant workers from severe exploitation (last report by EU Agency for Fundamental Rights)

Workplace inspections are often lacking or ineffective, enabling unscrupulous employers to exploit their workers, finds the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ latest report. Tightening up inspections to combat abuse and empower workers to report abuse are some ways FRA suggests to help end severe labour.

The report, ‘Protecting migrant workers from exploitation in the EU: boosting workplace inspections,’ collected first-hand accounts from nearly 250 exploited workers from EU and non-EU countries.

Over a half had not witnessed or heard of workplace inspections. They mentioned how many employers had advance warning of inspections enabling them to cover up malpractices. This in turn undermined workers’ trust in inspections.

Possible measures

To combat this, inspectorates should not inform employers when an inspection will happen in sectors where abuse is common. Member States should also punish employers that have tried to deceive inspectors.

Member States should pay special attention to the construction and food sectors where exploitation is likely. They should also find ways to inspect domestic work.

Workers were more likely to report on their employers when inspectors informed and involved the workforce. Inspectors should therefore create a safe environment for workers so they can freely give their views without fear of retribution. This may also involve finding ways to overcome language barriers when speaking with workers.

Inspectors should also ensure inspections focus on workers’ rights and working conditions rather than the immigration status of workers.

To make inspections more effective, Member States should train inspectors to spot exploitation. Here specialist investigative units within labour inspectorates and joint operations with the police help.

Click here for further information about the FRA´s report.