Attack on worker sparks protests over exploitation of Indian builders in region
Solicitor says many workers treated like modern slaves
STREET protests by ‘exploited’ Indian workers in the Midland building trade have been sparked by a footage of a man being beaten by hi boss.
The victim is in hiding after the video went viral of his ex-employer barging into his Walsall home and assaulting him.
It has sparked uproar in the Indian community and exposed widespread concern about malpractice by employers towards vulnerable migrants.
The victim says he is ‘too frightened to go out’ in case he is assaulted again, or fears they ‘kill’ him.
But the incident has been called out as just one graphic example of entrenched exploitation of Indian nationals working in the West Midlands building trade, exposing what lawyers say are large scale violations in the industry, including excessive hours, paying below the going rate and failure to pay wages.
The victim, who wised to remain anonymous, said his home was visited one evening by the employer, accompanied by between up to 15 men.
When the door was answered, they pushed their way into the house before entering his bedroom, he claims, where he was physically assaulted. In the video the victim can be seen with a swollen face covered in blood.
But after a friend called the police the attackers fled.
He said: “I am frightened to go out, I don’t sleep in the night in case they hit me again, or even kill me.”
The man claims he was paid between £8-£9 per hour for a 40 hour work week, with unpaid overtime, and was not given a contract or a P60.
Since the video of the attack went viral on social media there has been outrage among the Indian community, with street protests staged and a campaign launched.
Solicitor and spokesperson for the campaign, Raghib Asahn, said his firm Ragnib Asahn Solicitors - would be representing the victim.
He said: “It was really shocking to see in the video the employer physically assaulting a worker and then posting it on social media.
“We do not expect to see such violence towards workers in 21st century Britain; the employer was treating him like a modern day slave.
“The community is outraged. The strength of feeling was expressed in the recent demonstration attended at short notice by several hundred people.
“The campaign is determined to stop such violence and exploitation of workers and will fight to ensure justice.”
Martin Hoare is a solicitor whose practice includes immigration, and is also president of the Birmingham Trades Union Council.
He observes that exploitation of migrant workers is widespread and enabled by a legal system which leaves them open to precarious legal status, often without their knowledge.
He explained that an immigrant worker’s right to stay in the UK is often tied to a licence held by their employer.
This creates a situation where the worker does not feel able to complain about malpractice, for fear of losing their job or permission to stay in the country.
Furthermore, in cases where the government withdraws this licence, it only notifies the employer, not the employee and therefore workers can be left working illegally without knowing it.
He said: “I was personally shocked to see that someone had been assaulted by their employer and people need to be able to work without fear of intimidation by their employer.
“Employers need to observe minimum wage legislation and comply with duties including prompt and proper payment of salary and compliance with duties to majesty’s revenue and customs.”
Police confirmed a man had been arrested and bailed for further inquiries.
A spokesman said: “We are in touch with the victim and are making arrangements to find a suitable date to take a statement.”
We do not expect to see such violence towards workers in 21st century Britain; the employer was treating him like a modern day slave