The second paragraph puts the EDM into its repulsive context:

“further notes that such posted workers in the UK have to be paid only the statutory minimum wage, which has the effect of undermining union negotiated collective agreements which are not recognised as `universally applicable’ in the UK”

The implication is that the EU workers who wish to work here are being exploited and being paid a minimum wage. How patronising to other skilled EU workers can you get than by suggesting that they will work for £6.00 per hour whilst living in less than perfect accommodation? Is the chance of a job in the UK so desirable that they will take a 70%+ cut in wages in order to work in a country with a higher cost of living? It’s cobblers, of course. Fruit pickers earn the minimum wage, not skilled workers.

This is a horrible, protective proposal that can only harm us all by limiting worker mobility (and consequential economic benefits) with possible responses from other countries that will harm UK citizens working overseas.

Charlieman – you are wrong. That is precisely what happens but reasonable and sensible people like yourself (I’m not being sarcastic) find it hard to believe. I could give you lots of examples of why many professionals find it far better to look for work in the Uk – individually and in person and not through recruitment in their country of origin – rather than in Italy or Greece. The EDM is a welcome breath of fresh air but it is a pity that it will no doubt be suppressed by the strength of various vested interests.

I wonder when the rest of the EU is finally going to cotton on to the fact that we’re a bunch of xenophobic racists and start treating us with the contempt we deserve.

Nino: I’ll accept that there are gaps in my knowledge. I would really like to know what the 200 EU co-workers are actually doing (ie skill level) and the terms of their contracts: but personal privacy and commercial confidentiality overrules that.

The evidence that we might have to work on are reports from EU nationals who have worked here in the recent past, and who might complain about discriminatory conditions or wages. In the absence of such evidence from trade unions (or anywhere), we need to treat accusations of employer exploitation with a pinch of salt.