Complaints are increasing rapidly about harsh treatment of the most vulnerable employees - non-union, low-paid workers in service industries.
The Citizens' Advice Bureau, a voluntary organization, said 850,000 people complained to its 250 offices around the country last year about reduced wages, longer hours or being fired unfairly. That was 10 percent more than in 1991.Minors are the most vulnerable.
A minimum hourly wage of $4.40 applies to 2.5 million people - 80 percent women and 25 percent black - who work as shop clerks and in the clothing, catering and hairdressing trades. The minimum applies only to workers over 21.
"Employers are consistently and systemically exploiting employees' vulnerability," said Sean Roberts, the bureau's social affairs director.
A common practice, he said, is firing an employee just before the two-year minimum service required to sue for unfair dismissal.