Study points to ‘systematic abuse’ of au pairing

Au pairs in Ireland are subjected to high levels of exploitation and abuse which, in extreme cases, is akin to slavery and imprisonment, a study shows.

The research, conducted by the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MCRI), pointed to “systemic abuse” of au pairing, which is supposed to be a cultural and language exchange. It said au pairs were used “as a cheap form of childcare” without the equivalent rights of childcare workers.

In the worst cases, young women were having their documents withheld, movements monitored, and freedom restricted.

The au pairs in the worst situations — mainly from outside the EU — are experiencing “mental fatigue, physical pain, fear, and emotional stress”.

MCRI said the area needed to be regulated to cover hours, duties, and payments and provide legal remedies for disputes. It is also calling for an au pair immigration scheme for non-EU au pairs.

Research conducted among 52 au pairs found:

* About 75% were doing more than the 30-hour recommended maximum working week, with more than a third doing over 40 hours a week;

* 17% were paid less than €100 a week and 49% were paid between €100 and €119;

* 15% had to be ‘on call’ at night and 13% were not free to leave the house after duties were done;

* 21% did not receive regular breaks and 30% did not get any holidays.

Study author Aoife Smith said: “The findings indicate a high level of exploitation and abuse, which includes au pairs working excessively long hours; carrying out heavy workloads; having too much responsibility and receiving extremely low pay.

“Mental fatigue, physical pain, and exhaustion from heavy workloads, fear, and emotional stress featured in many of the interviews. The women felt trapped. In some extreme cases, the au pairs described how their freedom was restr-icted and opportunities to socialise with others were controlled and limited by their host families.”

The report said there was a “direct link” between exploitation and online recruitment which was the main route used by non-EU au pairs.

Established au pair agencies used by most EU au pairs generally resulted in better experiences.

* For more, see mrci.ie or contact 01 889 7570.