A recent report by the Resolution Foundation Think Tank found that about one in 20 workers do not receive paid holidays, whilst one in 10 do not get a payslip.
The think tank says it's findings reveal the extent of illegal labour practices. Workers over the age of 65 are most likely to not have paid holidays, despite a legal entitlement to 28 days a year, or pro-rata for part-timers. If also found that workers aged 25 and under are twice as likely to be underpaid the minimum age that any other age group.
Workers in hotels and restaurants are the most at risk of missing out on legal workplace entitlements. Meanwhile those in small firms, employing fewer than 25 staff, are most likely to not get payslips and paid leave, as are workers on zero-hours and temporary contracts.
Lindsay Judge, senior economic analyst at the Resolution Foundation said 'The UK has a multitude of rules to govern its labour market, from maximum hours to minimum pay, but these rules can only become a reality if they are properly enforced' Although the government has strengthened the resources and powers of bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Agency, the UK still largely relies on individuals seeking redress through the Employment Tribunal (ET) Sadly, many of the individuals in most need of help to challenge illegal practices are those least likely to use ET's. In particular, young people are disproportionately subjected to unlawful working practices, but make fewer ET applications than any other age group.
A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said they are committed to enforcing workplace regulations and tackling firms that break the rules. In the meantime there are legions of vulnerable employees who feel they have no choice but to accept illegal, poor conditions. All employees, particularly young people should be aware of their employment rights and be assisted in making a tribunal claim if these illegal practices are to be curbed.