The RMT has launched a website for vulnerable workers.

Vulnerable workers are, according to the Trades Union Congress, people working in an environment where the risk of being denied employment rights is high, and who do not have the capacity or means to protect themselves from abuse.

In 2010 RMT conducted a survey through its magazine, RMT News, to identify where there were vulnerable workers in the transport sector and the problems they face.

The results were worse than the union expected, with stark descriptions of dangerous health and safety conditions, low salaries, exploitation and high levels of discrimination experienced by people working as cleaners, station retail workers, catering assistants, security guards, hotel workers and seafarers.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said "This site aims to give you, whether you are an RMT rep or a vulnerable worker, essential information on how best to represent and organise vulnerable workers, and takes into account the substantial recent updates in laws most likely to affect vulnerable workers.

I hope you find this website useful and would ask that you contact RMT with any comments you may have about it so that we can continue to improve it.

And remember, the RMT Freephone Members’ Helpline, on 0800 376 3706, is here to give RMT members help and advice whenever you need it."

You can visit the new site for vulnerable workers at http://www.rmt-vulnerable-workers.org.uk/