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New plans are being drawn up to boost watchdog the Fair Work Agency, which will target rogue employers, making sure those who underpay staff face fines
Investigators will be given greater powers to snoop on businesses in a clampdown on exploitation of workers.
New plans are being drawn up to boost watchdog the Fair Work Agency, which will target rogue employers.
The agency will be able to issue fines against firms that underpay staff – and carry out covert intelligence as part of its investigations.
Government insiders told The Mirror the watchdog is being beefed up as the Employment Rights Bill makes its way through Parliament.
Measures will also target rogue businesses who undercut those who treat their staff fairly. Ministers plan to give the FWA the power to bring civil proceedings against such companies, and issue fines for those who underpay staff.
Legislation will also ensure the agency can recover enforcement costs and carry out covert intelligence.
It will be able to obtain communications data and carry out surveillance on businesses suspected of wrongdoing.
A source said: “Through these new measures, the Fair Work Agency will provide more robust support for the UK’s lowest-paid workers, who are often the hardest hit by poor employment practices.”
New amendments to the Bill are expected in the coming weeks.
