New Employment Hotline For Southampton

18 March 2014, 06:56 | Updated: 18 March 2014, 09:37

A new hotline has gone live in Southampton today to help people who're being exploited by their employer.

It will be run by professionally-trained volunteers for the next month and will give advice to low-paid workers who think they are being treated unfairly.

It's intended for those with a zero hours job contract, not getting sick pay or paid holiday, or on minimum wage but with their employer deducting certain costs.

In the first evening of Fair Employment Fortnight last night (Monday 17 March) volunteers have been given a basic knowledge of employment rights to support the new telephone hotline.

The hotline will be run by Southampton Advice and Representation Centre (SARC) and professionally trained volunteers for four weeks from today (Tuesday 18 March). 

People can phone 07835 103 090, and the volunteers will call them back with free advice on their employment rights. 

Rowenna Davis, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Itchen, who has been involved in organising the hotline and training, said:

"Too many workers in our city suffer from very low pay, dodgy agencies and zero hour contracts. In the next four weeks we're working with local charities to raise awareness about these problems and give free and confidential advice to anyone who need it.

We've got some fantastic employers in the city, there are no excuses for the minority who exploit their staff. If it's something you care about, do contact us and get involved."

You can find more information on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fair-Employment-Fortnight/285085541646672. Fair Employment Fortnight is being discussed on Twitter with the hashtag #HardWorkFairDeal