Labour scandal - End to ugly ‘slavery’ welcomed

IRELAND’S shameful exploitation of foreign workers, many of them forced to work much longer hours for far less pay than their Irish counterparts, is finally to end following an Irish Examiner exposé of this ugly form of bonded slavery.

Under legislation unveiled by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, control over work permits will be taken out of the hands of employers. Instead, overseas workers will, for the first time, hold their own permits, giving them greater mobility and freedom to change employers if they are being abused.

A fine of €50,000 or five years in prison, should help to root out the abuse of vulnerable workers. Though late in the day, these initiatives are to be welcomed.