Agenda item

The Head of Economic Regeneration submits a report providing members of the commission with a proposed scope for a review of worker exploitation across Leicester’s labour market and invite members of the commission to comment on the scope for the review and to consider joining the working group.

The Head of Economic Regeneration submitted a report providing members of the commission with a proposed scope for a review of worker exploitation across Leicester’s labour market and invite members of the commission to comment on the scope for the review and to consider joining the working group.

The Chair introduced the item and noted that this task group would likely take longer as it needed more analysis and work and more careful consideration.  She further suggested that the group may wish to involve members from the Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission as it was an issue that spanned the portfolios of both Commissions.

The Head of Economic Regeneration presented the report, and raised the following key points in addition to those in the report:

• This was an area likely to be of interest to all members of the Committee, but also had relevance to several areas across the Council, including the executive and other Council services.
• The scope looked to broaden from the textiles sector to the economy as a whole.
• The scope recognised that the Council did not have powers to enforce or inspect workplaces.
• It was necessary to help the Council understand the issues and the roles it could play in the agenda.
• Professor Nik Hammer at the University of Leicester had been engaged and he had offered his support going forward in gathering data and compiling a literature review of where labour exploitation was likely to exhibit.  He would also look at insights as where partner organisations saw this presenting itself.
• It was necessary to look at enforcement and the role the Local Authority could play.
• It was suggested that there should be focus on social care, nail bars, car washes, construction and hospitality, which were sectors in which worker exploitation was thought to take place.

The Commission were invited to ask questions and make comments. Key points included:

• It was hoped that the work could produce proposals for the Executive to consider in relation to the issues.
• It was raised that it was necessary to take into account the effects of unemployment in communities should factories close and retailers leave the city.  In response to this, the Chair noted that should the situation get worse, the Council may benefit from knowing how to allocate resources.  She further drew attention to the employment hub and skills bootcamps.
• Money from the Shared Prosperity Fund would pay for the work that the University of Leicester was conducting.
• It was suggested that members of the Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission be invited to take part in the working group.
• Further scoping could be conducted.
• The timings of this working group and the working group on 24-hour Bus Lanes would need to be considered.

Councillors were asked if they wished to take part in the review.

Councillors Bajaj, Singh Sangha and Osman expressed interest in joining the group.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That a working group be convened on the issue.

3)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.

4)    That members to be kept informed of any key issues related to this topic.