THE UK–India trade deal is “tilted towards corporations,” the Indian Workers’ Association (IWA) warned today.

The group has raised fresh concerns that the recently signed UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) risks favouring multinational companies and elite professionals.

And it warned the deal offers little or no benefit to ordinary Indian and migrant workers in Britain.

The FTA, finalised in July 2025, includes a provision allowing Indian employees on temporary Britain assignments to avoid paying National Insurance for up to 36 months, provided they continue contributing to India’s Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

Official estimates suggest the rule will apply to around 75,000 highly skilled workers, mostly in the technology, engineering and financial sectors.

But the vast majority of workers — including delivery drivers, carers, shop staff, factory employees and construction workers — have been left entirely outside the scope of the agreement, the IWA said.

“This deal helps big business, not the working people,” said IWA general secretary Sital Singh Gill.

“There are no new jobs, no stronger rights and no protections for those in low-paid or insecure work.

“Trade must serve people, not just produce profits for corporations.”