Further help for workers

If you are concerned about anything (other than health and safety) to do with employment agencies or employment businesses that supply overseas workers, contact the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate helpline (Tel: 0845 9555 105).

If you are working in agriculture, the agriculture produce processing or shellfish harvesting sectors and are concerned about anything (including health and safety) or, if you think your employer does not hold a current, valid licence under the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004, contact the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (Tel: 0845 602 5020).

If you are concerned about the standard of rented accommodation provided to overseas workers, contact the Housing department of your local council.

If you want to report abuse of the work permit arrangements, contact the Border and Immigration Agency in writing at: Sheffield Intelligence Unit, Border and Immigration Agency, PO Box 3468, Sheffield S3 8WA (or via e-mail at workabuse@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk). Alternatively you can call the Unit on 0114 279 3480.

Under British law, you have other basic rights such as limits on how long you have to work, time off, rest breaks and paid annual leave.

For information about your terms and conditions of work, contact:

• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) National Helpline on 08457 474747 or e-mail using their website: www.acas.org.uk;
• your local Citizens Advice Bureau (look in the telephone book);
• Trades Union movement. Telephone the TUC’s Know Your Rights helpline on 0870 600 4882;
• National Minimum Wage confidential helpline on 0845 6000 678.

The Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) have also produced further guidance on wages and holiday entitlement in ‘Working in the UK: know your rights and where to get help and advice'

See useful contacts for further information