that of the employer. - Homeworkers Worldwide

Chapter 1 IntroductionNGH and homeworking in the UK“I feel that we should get proper rates of pay with employment rightsand regular work. We are contributing to the local economy andshould be valued and recognised for it.”The National Group on Homeworking is the only national NGO workingexclusively on homeworking issues. We work to:• raise awareness amongst homeworkers of their rights• raise the visibility of homeworkers• campaign to improve their terms and conditions• give advice and support to homeworkers about their employmentrights (helpline and caseworker)Although the National Group on Homeworking offers advice and supportto anyone working from home in the UK, the focus for our work and campaigningis on improving the conditions of the very many low paid homeworkerswho receive few employment protections, and are frequentlypaid on a piece rate basis.The NGH mission statement is as follows:The National Group on Homeworking is committed to ensuring that thecontributions made by homeworkers to the UK economy are recognisedand rewarded accordingly. Our ultimate aim is to improve the workingconditions of all homeworkers so that homeworking becomes a realemployment option for those who wish to work at home.To this end, the National Group on Homeworking will work towards andpromote:• Employment status for all homeworkers, including equalisation ofall employment rights such as maternity, redundancy, unfair dismissaland pensions• Receipt of the national minimum wage by all homeworkers• Adequate health and safety provision for the home as a place ofwork• Accessible, affordable and quality childcare for all who want towork both outside and inside the home• Adequate facilities and support for those caring for other dependents• Good employment practices for all homeworkers, regardlessof their sex, race, ethnicity, disability and other causes ofdiscrimination• Comprehensive training and educational opportunities for allhomeworkers• The organisation of homeworkers as a recognised section of thework force“Our ultimateaim is to improvethe workingconditions of allhomeworkers sothat homeworkingbecomes a realemploymentoption for thosewho wish to workat home.”