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Employers warned off the #NaughtyList by Jackie Weaver

Employment rights charity the Work Rights Centre (WoRC) has launched a campaign to raise awareness about precarious work practices in the UK.

While tongue-in-cheek, the #NaughtyList campaign highlights the bad behaviours that could put employers in Father Christmas’ bad books this year.


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It has earned the support of notable public figures including viral sensation Jackie Weaver who, contrary to the belief of some parish council members, does have authority on the topic.

Speaking to HR magazine, Weaver advised leaders pushing back against bad behaviours, such as below minimum pay, and inappropriate comments, to let the "numbers speak for themselves".

She said: “Recruitment is expensive and it is infinitely cheaper and easier to keep good people than to find them. 

“Money speaks loudly – make the financial case for why it ultimately pays to be good.”

Based on cases WoRC has seen throughout 2020, the charity’s list of behaviours that would land employers on the #NaughtyList includes:

  • Believing paying the National Minimum Wage is optional
  • Having a list of excuses not to pay employees and contractors
  • Thinking that comments of a sexual nature are appropriate
  • Playing roulette with health and safety regulations
  • Dissolving companies to avoid paying people what they’re owed
  • Discriminating against employees based on protected characteristics

WoRC CEO Dora-Olivia Vicol told HR magazine that the charity has seen hundreds of cases of unpaid wages, unfair dismissals and unsafe work practices this year alone.

In one example, a Romanian HGV driver forced to work overtime, break the speed limit and sleep in his truck was left £3,200 unpaid.

“With this campaign, we want everyone to know that they deserve a workplace that is safe, that pays, and that is respectful of their rights,” Vicol said.

“I'm thrilled to see so many people support the #NaughtyList. Their support means the world to us, and it helps us change the world.”

WoRC has urged anyone affected by bad work practices to reach out, and is asking for donations to help them with their work win people their rights.

Donations to WoRC’s #NaughtyList can be made here.