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TUC boss's warning to firms 'with a dirty little secret'

The leader of Britain's trade unions has warned big companies "with a dirty little secret" and who pay workers less than the minimum wage: "We're gonna shine a light on you."

Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary, referred to companies such as courier firm Hermes, which is facing calls to be investigated by HM Revenue and Customs about allegations some of its staff receive less than the legal minimum wage.

It is claimed couriers working for the company have said they feel like they're "treated like dirt" and have been threatened with the sack for attending hospital appointments during work hours.

Speaking at the TUC conference in Brighton on Monday, Ms O'Grady said: "To any greedy business that treats its workers like animals you're next - we're gonna shine a light on you.

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"If you run a big brand with a dirty little secret, a warehouse where people don't even get paid the minimum wage, a fleet of couriers who are slaves to the app, let us put them on notice.

"We are on our way delegates, we are coming for them."

In her big set-piece speech at the TUC conference in Brighton - which was dominated by the vote to leave the EU - she also called on Theresa May to fight to keep the UK in Europe's single market post-Brexit to protect jobs.

The plea comes amid conflicting signals from senior Cabinet ministers about whether the Government wants to stay in the single market.

Ms O'Grady said working people must not be made to pay the price for Brexit.

"Whether you voted Leave or Remain, now the vote is over our job is to get the best deal possible for working people," she said.

"We must build a Britain that is successful, prosperous and fair - a Britain of great jobs for everyone.

"Government must be ready to step in and work to keep the advantages we get from membership of the single market - for all of our industries, not just the City. That's the key to a successful Brexit for working people."

Last week, the Prime Minister slapped down Brexit Secretary David Davis after he told MPs (BSE: MPSLTD.BO - news) the UK could leave the single market, insisting his comments were "not Government policy".

The TUC leader also set out five tests to be met before the Prime Minister triggers Article 50 to leave the EU:

:: EU citizens living and working in the UK guaranteed the right to remain;
:: An all-Ireland (Other OTC: IRLD - news) agreement on economic and border issues;
:: Spell out what the Government wants under "Brexit means Brexit;
:: A cross-party negotiating team, including the nations, London and the North;
:: Before Article 50, proof that workers' rights will be safe.