SHADY employers are being targeted by Cross Street Law Centre in Erith, following the intervention of an MP.

The centre has identified suspect practices by employers being used to dance around employment law and deny workers their rights and is challenging them at Employment Tribunals.

 

Cross Street Law Centre has had increasing number of people coming to it with jobs advertised using the phrase ‘this is a self-employed vacancy’.

That means they are not paid minimum wage or holiday pay.

 

Case worker Patrick McNamee said: “This is wholly illegal and denies the person their legal entitlements."

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce, who is well-versed in employment law after working for the Inland Revenue, got involved after being contacted by the centre and referred cases to the police and Border Agency.

 

Ms Pearce said: “It is essentially 'employing on the fiddle' and takes us back to the sad old days when people were paid cash in hand, had no protection against unfair dismissal and no entitlement to paid holidays.

“I stood to be an MP to combat injustice. I didn't expect to be rolling back time and arguing again for National Minimum Wage and holiday pay. I will continue to work with the Police, Border Agency, and the Law Centre on this matter."

Cross Street law Centre offers employment advice at 4 Cross Street, Erith every Monday between 10-12.30. Appointments are not necessary.