COUNCILS should work in partnership with trade unions and the voluntary sector to protect vulnerable workers, a university study recommended today.

Academics from Sheffield Hallam University, Staffordshire University and UCL (University College London) worked with London’s Islington Council to look at ways the authority can partner with trade unions to tackle poor working conditions in the area.

The report revealed a catalogue of exploitation including illegal low pay, safety fears and discrimination against migrant workers.

It found that Greater London has “extremely high” numbers of workers suffering low pay – 35 to 40 per cent – in sectors such as hospitality and retail.

A further 25 per cent were found to be paid less than the statutory minimum wage.

Researchers also showed there was a lack of knowledge of employment rights for vulnerable workers and barriers to organising in the workplace, making it difficult to challenge or improve their working conditions.

The research centred on Islington Council, but the academics say their proposals for collaboration and partnerships are relevant to local authorities across Britain.

Dr Bob Jeffery, who led the research from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “In Islington, as across much of the country, there are serious issues with job quality and some workers face denial of basic employment rights, chronic insecurity, exposure to dangerous workplaces and poverty pay.

“The research tells us that unionised jobs are better jobs, so it makes perfect sense for local authorities to partner with unions to promote good work. 

“Islington is leading the way on local interventions, but we have developed proposals that will have relevance to all councils.”

Recommendations included how councils could partner with trade unions and promote employment rights through educational activities and undertaking joint campaigning.