Structural co-op needs to combat migrant labour abuse: report

Combating exploitation of migrant labour requires good structural cooperation from occupational safety and health authorities, the police, tax authorities and other key operators, according to a report.

The report published by the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI) and commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also assesses legislation which has been introduced in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom to address labour exploitation.

Regular meetings of key authorities and organic exchange of information will create common practices and an operating culture at a regional level, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release on Thursday, quoting the report.

The report compares measures against the exploitation of migrant labour in different countries. In particular, the report examines multidisciplinary cooperation models developed in Norway, Belgium and the United Kingdom to address labour exploitation.

The report also describes Estonia’s labour dispute committee and the Swedish legislation on exploitation of human beings.

“Work-based exploitation is a complex phenomenon with many different faces. That is why we must remain alert and constantly find new ways to prevent exploitation to supplement the measures we have already taken during this government term. This report provides new perspectives on this work,” said Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

In addition to the police, border control and occupational safety and health inspectors, other operators can also identify situations involving labour exploitation. They include health, rescue, alcohol and tax inspectors, trade union and local union representatives, social services and healthcare personnel, representatives of organisations and immigrant support groups, immigration services, representatives of recruitment and personnel service companies, other companies and public contracting entities, as well as private citizens.

The report included a number of recommendations including creating awareness of labour exploitation among the various inspection authorities. The awareness should be increased through training and information on how to deal with suspicious cases.