A HELP line has been set up by the Government to advise workers about employment rights and report abuse. It was launched by Lord Young and follows a survey showing that nearly half of the workers in London alone wrongly supposed employment agencies can charge workers a fee for finding them a job

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A HELP line has been set up by the Government to advise workers about employment rights and report abuse.

It was launched by Lord Young (pictured) and follows a survey showing that nearly half of the workers in London alone wrongly supposed employment agencies can charge workers a fee for finding them a job.

The rights include National Minimum wage, the 48-hour average working week, employment agency standards and gangmaster’ licensing.

Business Minister Pat McFadden said at yesterday’s launch: “It’s essential to make sure these rights are properly enforced.

“We are determined that the recession doesn’t become an excuse to deny people their basic rights at work.”

The helpline is staffed by specialist, trained advisors who pass on any information they’re given to the relevant enforcement body to take further action where needed.

The new helpline is a single contact point for both bosses and workers.