A new "one-stop shop" to protect workers from modern slavery and low pay has been proposed by the government.

The organisation will combine efforts to tackle modern slavery, safeguard the minimum wage and protect agency workers, replacing three organisations in the process. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said this would "help improve enforcement through better coordination and pooling intelligence". Workers will also find it easier to blow the whistle on bad behaviour thanks to the one-stop shop nature of the new body, it said.

A spokesperson for the department said it was not yet clear when the new organisation would start operating. "The new enforcement body will be established through primary legislation when parliamentary time allows," they said. The new body is yet to be named.

Once operational, the organisation will carry out more enforcement to ensure that "unscrupulous" operators cannot undercut rivals who pay workers fairly. BEIS also said it will make it easier for workers to claim statutory sick pay and holiday pay owed.

The new watchdog will incorporate the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HMRCs national minimum wage enforcement.

Business minister Paul Scully said: "The vast majority of businesses want to do right by their staff, but there are a minority who seem to think the law doesnt apply to them. Exploitative practices like modern slavery have no place in society."

He added: This new workers watchdog will help us crack down on any abuses of workers rights and take action against companies that turn a blind eye to abuses in their supply chains, while providing a one-stop shop for employees and businesses wanting to understand their rights and obligations."

The government said the new organisation would continue to operate its naming and shaming scheme, which can fine companies that do not pay their workers what they are owed up to 20,000 per worker.

The construction sector had the highest level of reports of modern slavery during the pandemic in 2020. Construction News has previously exposed incidents of modern slavery on major construction projects.

Its never been more important to ensure you have the tools to identify and address the modern slavery risk to your business.

Unseens online business portal is a subscription service that provides confidential information to companies about suspected modern slavery cases, trends and risks. The secure platform lets businesses safely access real-time reports made through the helpline relevant to their business or supply chain.

Companies that are interested in joining should contact:business@unseenuk.org

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New watchdog to crack down on modern slavery and low pay - Construction News