Philippine nurses quit

A group of Philippine nurses have quit the Hertfordshire nursing
homes they worked for after complaining of low wages, excessive
hours and being expected to do menial work.

The 35 nurses worked in four homes owned by joint companies
Wilton House Ltd and Oak Care Ltd. They claimed they were paid one
third less than other registered nurses employed at the homes, and
were made to work more than 48 hours a week.

Community Care has seen a copy of the nurses’ contract.
It bans the worker from “trade union activities”, which is illegal
under UK law. The nurses say they paid a Philippine recruitment
agency up to £3,000 to arrange work for them in the UK.

The home owner, Mrs Mary Reekhaye, said in a written statement
that the nurses had not lodged any complaint with management.

“We do not accept any suggestions that the nurses have been
employed on any less favourable terms than other staff employed
within the company.”