No, this is not a quote from the MCW's ‘Reclaiming Time' report produced in 2006. However, from the message it carries it might as well have been. In fact it is a quote in The Observer (Sunday 4^th May 2008) taken from the TUC's Commission on Vulnerable Employment entitled ‘Hard Work, Hidden Lives'.

Brendan Barber the TUC Leader is quoted as saying ‘While this commission expected to find poor treatment, its extent has stunned us all ... Worst of all, much of it took place within a legal framework that fails to prevent exploitation. Much exploitation treatment occurs because the law is not strong enough to prevent mistreatment...'

The findings contained in the MCW's ‘Reclaiming Time' report are vindicated by the TUC's Commission. Both documents reflect the stark reality of many workers' lives today. The MCW's report and the enquiry booklet ‘Enquiry material for use with Human Life & Work in the 21^st Century' which led to its publication can be used to enquire into our everyday circumstances. This sharing of realities through the Review of Life method leads to deeper discoveries about each others' situations and enables a search for ways to work together in solidarity.

Both the MCW report and the TUC report is evidence challenging us as Christian Workers that we should use every opportunity to call for and campaign against such insecure employment and practices. As Fran Bennett, Snr Research Fellow at Oxford University says "Loopholes in the laws that are meant to protect workers must be closed."

Reclaiming Time Report is available from MCW HQ, St. Joseph's, off St Joseph's Grove, (Watford Way), London NW4 4TY. Tel 0208 203 6290 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or order online from www.mcworkers.org £6.00 including p&p

Hard Work, Hidden Lives can be ordered from the TUC priced at £10.00 for members and £20.00 for non-members by clicking on publications on their home page

www.tuc.org.uk