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French firm defends UK passport jobs in Poland
The French firm which has won the contract to make the UK’s blue passports to replace the EU-burgundy colour says it is adhering to all labour laws after being accused of outsourcing the work to badly-treated, low-paid workers in Poland.
A spokesman for Thales, which owns passport-maker Gemalto, said the factory it will use respects Polish health and safety rules and staff wellbeing is paramount.
The Mail on Sunday claimed a worker at the factory in Tczew, Poland, said “it can feel like a prison”, claiming the work was unsafe as they must use up to three machines at a time.
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One ex-employee said she used to earn “just over £400 a month after tax” (€470).
Thales declined to comment on the salary figure.
The Polish minimum wage in 2019 was €523 gross.
Estate agency WGN Tczew said a two-bedroom flat in the area costs €280/month to rent.
The UK passport office said: “We demand the highest standards from our commercial partners. Should a supplier’s conduct fall below this, we will work with them to agree how to remedy the situation.”
UK passports will remain valid, whatever colour they are. After the transition period they should have six months left to run if they are to be used to come to the Schengen area.
