Minoritised Women: Pay Inequality

Lord Sahota Excerpts

Tuesday 19th September 2023 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

I am not sure whether that was a statement or a question, but actually I agree with the noble Lord.

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, some of the recently arrived women care workers from Asian and African countries are being exploited by their employers because they have limited negotiating power. They are not fully aware of their rights, are less likely to join a union and are less assertive of their rights due to the fear of job insecurity and their immigration status. They are verging on modern slavery. Are the Government aware of their plight?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

I think the Government are aware of the plight of anyone who might be in danger of slavery, exploitation and all the things the noble Lord talks about. I do not think that it is necessary to belong to a union to be protected from such exploitation.