The Fair Work Agency. A once-in-a-generation opportunity for workers rights. What needs to be true for it to succeed?
On September 3rd 2025, the Employments Rights Bill will be read for the third and final time in the Lords. This new legislation will set up a single enforcement body for labour market abuses – The Fair Work Agency.
This is a critical juncture in the protection of workers rights. In 2024 alone, the Low Pay Commission estimates that 370,000 workers were paid less than the national minimum wage. Meanwhile, 19,125 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office.
Now is the time to design a system that meaningfully tackles labour market exploitation and promotes good work for all, especially for vulnerable groups like migrant workers who are most often failed by the current system.
In July 2025, the Centre for London and Trust for London brought together a group of expert stakeholders across policy, enforcement, migrant rights, social care, and employment law to map out what needs to be true for the FWA to succeed.
A powerful consensus was reached regarding the core principles which should underpin the Fair Work Agency’s design and implementation. Read the key foundational principles in full, and critical next steps, in the briefing.
We cannot let this opportunity to tackle labour market exploitation pass us by.
