NMW avoidance devices



Changes in the UK labour market have resulted in the spread of many exploitative arrangements, often used in combination, aimed at avoiding employment rights and obligations, including the NMW. These include:


• requiring workers to work for cash;


• false self-employment;



• abusive use of false “expenses” and “profit related pay”;



• abusive use of zero hours contracts;



• abuse of rules over payment for travel time, standby rules, “security” checks and staff briefings;



• forcing low-paid workers to contract through a personal service company;



• abusive use of intermediary companies, such as payroll and umbrella companies. 



For more information, see LRD’s guide for trade union reps, Casualisation at work (www.lrdpublications.org.uk/publications.php?pub=BK&iss=1733).