Inspectors must prosecute firms that exploit migrant labour

THE number of government labour inspectors has declined by over 20% over the last two years, increasing fears that migrant workers could face increased exploitation.

There are currently 71 National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Labour inspectors in place to police employment law in a workforce of over 2.25 million. This is 19 below the 90 agreed as necessary in 2007 under the Towards 2016 agreement between unions and government.

Labour Affairs Minster Dara Calleary has explained the shortfall by stating that 18 inspectors have left NERA over the past two years as a result of promotion, transfers and re-assignments.