Government 'must protect domestic staff from slavery'

WESTMINSTER must support an international convention to protect domestic workers from abuse and slavery, says a coalition of charities.

Anti-Slavery International said abuse of migrant domestic workers in the UK is common and a new domestic worker convention would help ensure fair pay, working conditions and hours.

Governments are this week meeting in Geneva for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference, with a vote on whether to create the convention due to take place on 15 June.

An Anti-Slavery spokesman said: "The rights of workers, including those relating to working hours and minimum wage, must be extended to all areas of work - including, where applicable, employers' homes - in order to prevent abuses that can quickly lead to forced labour or servitude."

The charity said the Government was fearful of interfering in people's home arrangements, but should at least sign up to a principle of inspecting any home implicated in a complaint.

Oliver Pearce, Christian Aid's Middle East policy change officer, said: "It's important that the UK takes the lead in voting for this convention, as it would have significant influence on the protection of domestic workers around the world. Migrant domestic workers often face extreme exploitation and abuse."

Marissa Begonia, from the Philippines, a representative of Justice for Domestic Workers, said: "I have been a domestic worker for 17 years.

"Physically, the long working hours are hard, but those who suffer the worst are the ones who are beaten or sexually abused, their life is a nightmare."