People living in and around Ravensbrook Park are being asked if they want the council to bring in new measures to tackle the growing problem of casual labour in the area.
Residents there have complained about the growing numbers of workers congregating in roads in the area in the early mornings to seek casual jobs.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is now asking people living there whether they want it to take on new powers against employing casual, cash-in-hand labourers, and is consulting on whether to impose a Public Spaces Protection Order, which would enable police and council officers to target would-be employers and issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100.
“By targeting employers, we hope to reduce the casual work available, which should reduce the numbers of people looking for this,” said Cllr Mike Cartwright, H&F Council’s cabinet member for crime and antisocial behaviour.
Officers would also be able to fine the workers, although initially they would direct them to services to help them to find legitimate employment and other support services.
Cllr Cartwright added: “Casual workers hired in this way are often exploited, earning less than the minimum wage and exposed to unsafe working environments. We need to help them into proper jobs.”
The order would apply to a restricted area comprising Ravenscourt Park, Ravenscourt Avenue, Ravenscourt Road, Ravenscourt Place and King Street between Ravenscourt Park and Ravenscourt Road.
The consultation is open to residents and regular users of the Ravenscourt Park area, who can respond online, and ends on September 17.
If the consultation shows support for the proposed order, the new restrictions are expected to be in force by October.
