Views and Experiences of Migrant Workers Working and Living in Greater Manchester

A Research and Evaluation Report 2011

GMPERAS` response to proposal to extend UD qualifying period

The Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service (GMPERAS), formerly known as the Greater Manchester Low Pay Unit, was established in 1986 by local politicians, councillors and church groups to provide employment rights information,  advice and support to low paid, vulnerable and non-unionised workers, and to campaign on their behalf on social policy issues that affected them. Over the past 25 years GMPERAS has developed a good understanding of this section of the labour market and the state of workplace relations within it.

Our work also includes the development of projects to meet the information, advice and support needs of particularly vulnerable groups within the wider workforce. Our current projects are aimed at women experiencing problems at work because of domestic abuse, and at migrant workers.

We have not responded to every point contained within the consultation document, but have responded to those points that particularly affect our client group, the working poor.

This is a word document, please click on Pdf symbol to access GMPERAS response to the Consultation document.

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2011

A survey of women who contacted the advice line of the Greater Manchester Low Pay Unit about maternity rights, has found that often employers perceive women workers who become pregnant as a burden. The hostile treatment of pregnant women ranged from a change in attitude which singled pregnant women out as being a problem, to more overtly unlawful behaviour such as denial of time off for ante-natal care or even dismissal.

Easier Said Than Done - Enforcing Rights at Work

A survey of the views and opinions of over 400 workers who had contacted the advice line of the Greater Manchester Low Pay Unit, has revealed that whilst workers have a number of new statutory rights they face enormous difficulties in exercising their rights.

REST ASSURED? An analysis of the working time regulations

The Greater Manchester Low Pay Unit has published a report assessing the impact and effectiveness of the Working Time Regulations six months after the regulations came into force. The report is based on over 400 cases gathered from the advice line of the Greater Manchester Low Pay Unit and from 19 Citizens Advice Bureaux in the North West. The report reveals that large numbers of workers are still not fully receiving their statutory rights. The complexities of the regulations have led to widespread confusion and mis-interpretation. Included in the report are recommendations to national government which would ensure fairer and more effective operation of the Working Time Regulations.