Connect with us

Local News

Zim Caregivers Being Exploited In UK

Published

on

SOME Zimbabwean caregivers in the United Kingdom (UK) are allegedly subjected to unfair labour practises, such as working long hours for low pay and being fired if they complain to the UK Home Office.

According to NewsDay, the perpetrators include some Zimbabweans who were mandated by the Home Office to recruit carers from Zimbabwe.

The perpetrators are also reportedly charging an arm and a leg to facilitate the carers’ entry into the UK, despite the fact that the service is supposed to be free.

A Zimbabwean cardiologist based in the United Kingdom who declined to be identified said that several Harare carers were being exploited but were reluctant to speak up.

“Caregivers receive poor salaries and work for more than 40 hours per week, which is the maximum. On average, they’re being forced to work for 60 hours. That’s modern slavery. Some have fixed contracts. You can’t change employers and if you do that, you will be deported,” he said.

Advertisement

“The pay scale should be £15 to £18 pounds per hour, but they’re being paid £7 to £10.”

A couple of caregivers confirmed the exploitation, but could not give further details.

“It’s happening, but I am not a quitter,” one of them said.

A British weekly newspaper, The Observer on Sunday reported that a victim of suspected labour abuses in the UK was ousted from her job and victimised after being sacked.

Advertisement

“The Zimbabwean national (25) was interviewed by Home Office compliance officers for an investigation into illegal recruitment practices and told them she had paid a fee of about £1 500 to an agent who arranged for a care home in Surrey to sponsor her visa,” The Observer said.

It is illegal to charge a worker a fee for finding them work and the government has pledged to stop the practice, which can leave victims at risk of modern slavery.

The worker, who was interviewed with several colleagues, claims she was given assurances by the interviewer that her identity would not be disclosed. But days after the interview, she was contacted by her employer asking why she had co-operated.

The care home had been sent her name and details of her comments, including the claims about abusive practices and the illegal fees.

Advertisement

She told the newspaper: “I no longer feel safe. I thought the Home Office would see me as a victim. Instead, they have exposed me to intimidation and threats from my employer.”

Harare-based immigration consultant Nyasha Muteswa said it was unethical for the Home Office investigation team to divulge the name of the whistle-blower to their employer.

“I have heard various cases of exploitation of caregivers when they get to the UK. Some of them have had deductions made from their salaries without their approval. Some have been recruited by briefcase care companies and recruitment agencies such that when they get to the UK, the purported employer doesn’t have enough contract (hours) to deploy the caregivers. Poor accommodation has also been mentioned,” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from the British embassy spokesperson in Harare Kate Chambers were fruitless yesterday.

Advertisement

However, the Home Office was quoted by The Observer saying while such information is used to assess the employer, interviewees are protected and details are not routinely disclosed.

“Sponsors are aware of which workers have been spoken to and workers are informed that the contents of the interview may be made available to sponsors. However, disclosure of which worker has made specific comments does not routinely occur if the worker makes specific sensitive statements relating to criminal matters,” it said.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Check out Entertainment

Video Of JT Voltz Kissing Holy Ten's Wife Kimberly Surfaces Video Of JT Voltz Kissing Holy Ten's Wife Kimberly Surfaces
Celebrities21 mins ago

Video Of JT Voltz Kissing Holy Ten’s Wife Kimberly Surfaces

Holy Ten’s marriage to Kimberly Richards has brought with it a number of hidden dirty linen about the Zim Hip...

Tonight On Uzalo (Watch) Tonight On Uzalo (Watch)
Entertainment3 hours ago

Tonight On Uzalo (Watch)

On tonight’s episode of Uzalo… Sibonelo is wary of Nomaswazi’s intentions with him after Njinji’s revelation. Muzi has a medical...

Entertainment10 hours ago

“The Gods Must Be Crazy” actress Leonora Jacobs was never paid for her role in the movie

“The Gods Must Be Crazy” Namibian actress Leonora Jacobs has left social media stunned after she made a shocking revelation...

The telenovela, The Wife, which is currently in its third season is nearly reaching its ending credits as the drama will surely conclude on the remaining episodes that are left. The telenovela, The Wife, which is currently in its third season is nearly reaching its ending credits as the drama will surely conclude on the remaining episodes that are left.
Entertainment10 hours ago

The End Is Near For South Africa’s Loved Telenova ‘The Wife’

The telenovela, The Wife, which is currently in its third season is nearly reaching its ending credits as the drama will surely...

Vusi Ma R5’s grave vandalised. Images via Twitter @dipuo1026 Vusi Ma R5’s grave vandalised. Images via Twitter @dipuo1026
Celebrities1 day ago

Vusi Ma R5’s Family Horrified After Suspected Rituals At His Grave

Bacardi music pioneer Vusi Ma R5’s family say the images of his vandalised grave have them fearing for their lives...

Andile Mpisane showed off his latest luxury car – a Mercedes Maybach S Class. Images via Instagram @andilempisane10 Andile Mpisane showed off his latest luxury car – a Mercedes Maybach S Class. Images via Instagram @andilempisane10
Celebrities1 day ago

Andile Mpisane Adds R4 Million Car To His Collection For His Birthday

With a luxury car collection that rivals that of international superstars, it was only fitting for Andile Mpisane to spoil...

Award winning film maker Nompumelelo Ngqula has died Award winning film maker Nompumelelo Ngqula has died
Celebrities2 days ago

Award winning film maker Nompumelelo Ngqula has died

South African filmmaker and creative Nompumelelo Ngqula died late on Thursday evening, her family announced on Friday. Ngqula worked on...

John Wick Movie Star Lance Riddick Dies John Wick Movie Star Lance Riddick Dies
Celebrities3 days ago

John Wick Movie Star Lance Reddick Dies

Lance Reddick, who appeared in major TV series like “The Wire,” “Fringe” and “Bosch” and films like the “John Wick”...

Melita on Skeem Saam is a typical nyatsi. She seems to think the man she’s having an affair with will leave his wife for her. But he’s just using her to pass time. Melita on Skeem Saam is a typical nyatsi. She seems to think the man she’s having an affair with will leave his wife for her. But he’s just using her to pass time.
Entertainment3 days ago

Skeem Saam Actress’ Dirty Games Exposed

Melita on Skeem Saam is a typical nyatsi. She seems to think the man she’s having an affair with will...

The Johannesburg High Court has reportedly finally ordered Imbewu: The Seed Actress Phindile Gwala-Ngandu to settle her electricity bill. Last year December, the actress was taken to court after failing to settle her R100 000 outstanding electricity bill. The Johannesburg High Court has reportedly finally ordered Imbewu: The Seed Actress Phindile Gwala-Ngandu to settle her electricity bill. Last year December, the actress was taken to court after failing to settle her R100 000 outstanding electricity bill.
Celebrities3 days ago

Actress Phindile Gwala Fails To Pay R100k Electricity Bill

The Johannesburg High Court has reportedly finally ordered Imbewu: The Seed Actress Phindile Gwala-Ngandu to settle her electricity bill. Last...

Advertisement

Trending