Following the “shocking” allegations of exploitation at the Leisure Clothing plant, the Opposition is calling on the government to propose measures in the Budget that tackle precarious work.

“The government should urgently tackle precarious work and take action in the Budget following the shocking example of exploitation of workers at the Leisure Clothing plant,” civil rights spokeswoman Claudette Buttigieg told the media yesterday.

Newspaper il-Mument has claimed that Asian workers were being conned into accepting attractive jobs in Malta, only to end up working in appalling conditions for long hours at the Bulebel plant in breach of minimum employment standards.

Soon after, a director of the Chinese State-owned company was questioned by the police in relation to claims of human trafficking and worker exploitation.

Worldwide, there are some 21 million people victims of exploitation

However, there were other cases of precarious work in Malta, Ms Buttigieg said, including in the construction industry. The Opposition condemned all forms of slavery and human trafficking.

“Worldwide, there are some 21 million people victims of exploitation including human trafficking and 59 per cent of these are women,” she said, also noting that these victims should not be seen as mere numbers.

Spokesman for employment Stephen Spiteri said there were whole families behind these people, who are usually underage, women with a low level of education and possibly even disabled.

The party, he added, was not against foreign investment but was concerned about precarious work.

Issues that should be tackled include the issuing of visas and work permits, the meagre remuneration offered to some foreign workers, the need for stricter scrutiny by the Employment and Training Corporation and union membership.

When asked about the new Gender Identity Bill, on which the government last week launched a public consultation, Ms Buttigieg said the party was still discussing it.