Luxembourg to take stronger stance on modern slavery practices

Building sites could be partially or totally closed if modern slavery practices are found under new powers to be given to Luxembourg's “Inspection du travail et des mines”.

The body, which is responsible for checking that employers obey the law when it comes to workplace practices, should receive the powers under a European Union directive.

The directive aims to end criminal exploitation practices in the workplace in which people are paid below minimum wage.

Responding to a parliamentary question, Employment Minister Nicolas Schmit said that in addition to increasing powers to close down sites which illegally exploit workers, the new law will define who is responsible when work is subcontracted.

At the beginning of June, RTL broadcast an undercover programme revealing alleged modern slavery practices on Luxembourg building sites.

The report claimed that Portuguese construction workers were being routinely exploited.

One worker interviewed said he worked 10 hours per day for 7.50 euros per hour.

Luxembourg, meanwhile, was criticised in a recent report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights for its lax legislation in relation to modern slavery employment practices.

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