A report released today claims that of the 3 million of the UK population who take on seasonal work from home, the vast majority will be earning less than the minimum wage.  This is the time of year when companies involved in postal campaigns and similar issues will look to recruit those desperate for additional cash for the festive period.

While it is actually illegal to employ anyone at a rate less than the national minimum wage, the problem is that these people are desperate for that extra few pounds and will do just about anything.  It is a sad indictment of the UK business world when people are paid literally a few pounds an hour for such menial and time consuming activities.  Lets not forget that these are vital part of many mail shots throughout the country, and due to the low pay offered the “employers” are able to pocket more profit for themselves.

So how can you fight back?

Unfortunately for every person who decides to drop out because of the low pay there are another 10 ready to take their place.  While many were initially attracted to the working from home philosophy, because in the main it compliments their life style which may involve child care etc, it is not easy going.

How do the companies get away with paying an illegal rate?

While the laws were initially set up to avoid situations such as the ones we are covering, employers are able to get away with it by publishing unrealistic hourly targets for output, which when put into practice may take substantially longer to complete – resulting in a reduced hourly rate from the one published.

While the vast number of the 3 million UK residents who take on such work are under paid, there are still some reputable companies out there who will pay you a fair rate for a fair days work.  They make take a little finding, and they may offer a different kind of work, but they are there.