THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
London/ Leicester:— The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has raised fresh concerns that the recently signed UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) risks favouring multinational companies and elite professionals while offering little or no benefit to ordinary Indian and migrant workers in the UK.
The FTA, finalised in July 2025, includes a provision allowing Indian employees on temporary UK assignments to avoid paying National Insurance for up to 36 months, provided they continue contributing to India’s Employee Provident Fund (EPF).
Official estimates suggest the rule will apply to around 75,000 highly skilled workers, mostly in the technology, engineering and financial sectors.
But labour-rights advocates warn that the vast majority of workers — including delivery drivers, carers, shop staff, factory employees and construction workers — have been left entirely outside the scope of the agreement.
“This deal helps big business, not the working people,” said Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (G.B.).
“There are no new jobs, no stronger rights, and no protections for those in low-paid or insecure work. Trade must serve people, not just produce profits for corporations.”
Implementation expected next year
Although signed earlier this year, the agreement has not yet come into force.
Both governments have indicated that the FTA is expected to be implemented in the early part of next year, once parliamentary ratification is completed in London and New Delhi.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, reinforced this position during his official visit to India on 8–9 October 2025, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade, technology and economic cooperation.
Downing Street said the visit was aimed at “ensuring swift implementation of the FTA”, while Starmer stressed that the agreement would not affect UK visa policy.
Founded in 1938, the Indian Workers Association (GB) has long championed campaigns for equality, dignity and labour protection for South Asian and migrant communities.
The Association plans to host community briefings in Leicester, Coventry, Birmingham and London to explain how the trade deal may affect workers.
“If the UK and India truly value friendship,” Mr Gill added,
“that friendship must be built on fairness for those who do the work — not only for those who make the deals.”
