By admin 
The UK could become a “dumping ground” for goods made under exploitative conditions unless the government strengthens laws to prevent firms from undercutting ethical British businesses, MPs have warned.
In a report published Monday, the Business and Trade Select Committee urged the government to tighten loopholes in the Modern Slavery Act by making it mandatory for companies to outline their steps to combat modern slavery in their supply chains. The committee also called for stricter penalties for non-compliance, including publicly identifying offending businesses.
Mounting Pressure Amid Global Crackdowns
With the US and Europe imposing stricter measures on imports linked to forced labour, MPs argue the UK is lagging behind in safeguarding its markets. The warning comes after lawmakers expressed outrage over Shein, the fast-fashion giant that primarily manufactures in China, for failing to clarify whether its products contain cotton from China’s Xinjiang region, known for forced Uyghur labour.
Shein, which hopes to list on the London Stock Exchange this year, admitted in a letter to the committee that goods shipped to the UK do not undergo the same rigorous checks as those bound for the US, where Xinjiang-linked imports face bans.
Committee chair Liam Byrne cautioned, “The UK is now at risk of operating a second-class regime to protect our markets from forced labour.”
Stronger Worker Protections Urged
The committee is also pushing for significant reforms in the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, expected to be debated in Parliament this week. Key recommendations include:
- Tougher rules on zero-hours contracts to prevent unfair scheduling practices.
- Stricter notice periods for shift changes, offering workers greater job stability.
- Faster action against bogus self-employment, ensuring proper worker classification.
Byrne emphasized that these reforms are crucial not only for workers but also for ethical businesses:
“We want ministers to strengthen the bill so that Britain’s best companies are no longer undercut by rogue firms exploiting workers. A strong workforce means a stronger economy.”
Government Response and Planned Reforms
The government has pledged to review the committee’s recommendations. A spokesperson defended the upcoming bill, stating:
“Our employment rights bill will enhance workers’ protections, tackle poor working conditions, and benefit both businesses and employees. Strengthening the labour market is key to economic growth and delivering change.”
The bill is expected to include:
- Extending the probationary period for new workers to nine months instead of six.
- Scrapping plans for a “right to switch off” outside of work hours.
- Introducing the Fair Work Agency, consolidating multiple enforcement bodies to investigate modern slavery cases, impose fines, and take legal action against exploitative businesses.
A government source stressed that these changes aim to balance worker protections with business needs:
“Our goal is to raise living standards and grow the economy. Workers who are treated well stay in jobs longer and are more productive, benefiting both employees and employers.”
As the debate over the UK’s worker protections intensifies, the coming weeks will determine whether the government strengthens its stance against exploitative labour or remains vulnerable to unethical global trade practices.