09.06.2020

You are the bagong bayani: You deserve to be safe

Are you a domestic worker? You are entitled to a safe working environment and fair pay, regardless of how long you’ve been in the UK.

If you are subjected to unfair working hours or abuse, this is illegal. You don’t need to tolerate it and there is support available for you.

Your rights as a domestic worker

  • The right to the National Minimum Wage, which is £8.72 per hour for anyone over the age of 25 
  • The right to access to your passport (your employer is not allowed to keep it) 
  • The right to a break of at least 20 minutes every 6 hours of work 
  • The right to the terms that were agreed in your contract, if you have one 
  • The right to be paid your full salary on time 
  • The right to 5.6 weeks’ paid time off work every year, plus paid sick leave 
  • The right to your full wages – your employer cannot deduct money for food 
  • The right to access healthcare and medical services 
  • The right to privacy and your own bed  
  • The right to adequate food   
  • The right to a safe working environment, free from threats of physical, emotional or sexual abuse 

Immigration rights

Your immigration rights will depend on when your visa was issued. You can learn more about your rights here on the Kalayaan website.

Domestic work and Covid-19

Since the UK has been in lockdown, your working conditions may have got worse, or you may have been let go without notice. You might be experiencing an increased workload, less food allocated to you, or a more stressful working environment. Now is the time to ask for help.

How to get help

If you are at immediate risk, call 999.  

The Voice of Domestic Workers

The Voice of Domestic Workers provides free support to domestic workers, along with educational and community activities, including English language lessons and employment advice. They can help Domestic Workers leave an abusive employer.

07528 705442

[email protected]

https://www.thevoiceofdomesticworkers.com/

Kalayaan

Kalayaan provides free confidential advice and support for domestic workers. They offer advice on immigration and workers’ rights.

020 7243 2942

[email protected]

http://www.kalayaan.org.uk/

Filipino Domestic Workers Association

FDWA-UK is a self-help group of Filipino migrant domestic workers in the United Kingdom. It aims to defend the rights and welfare of its members from any form of abuse and exploitation.

[email protected]

https://www.fdwa.co.uk

Kanlungan Filipino Consortium

Kanlungan is an organisation of Filipino migrants in the UK and provides support on welfare, employment and migration issues. They campaign for the rights of migrants to access health, public services and leave to remain for undocumented people in the UK.

0203 893 1871

[email protected]

https://www.kanlungan.org.uk/

Keeping safe

If you know a domestic worker

There are ways to support Domestic Workers in your community who might be at risk: