Combating the exploitation of migrant labour requires good cooperation between different authorities

NordenBladet — The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI) has published a report that 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 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. The report also describes Estonia’s labour dispute committee and the Swedish legislation on exploitation of human beings.The report shows that combating exploitation of migrant labour requires good structural cooperation from occupational safety and health authorities, the police, tax authorities and other key operators. Regular meetings of key authorities and organic exchange of information will create common practices and an operating culture at a regional level.  “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,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.Awareness of labour exploitation should be increasedIn 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. Awareness of labour exploitation among the various inspection authorities and others involved should be increased through training and information on how to deal with suspicious cases. The report also contains a number of other recommendations.The report, which was carried out by the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI), was commissioned by the working group on the prevention of the exploitation of foreign labour of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.  

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi