The government needs to introduce a "fair employment commission" aimed at protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation, Citizens Advice has claimed.

According to the advice service, despite the legislation currently in place, a large number of 'unscrupulous' employers are still taking advantage of their workers, with some firms cutting minimum wage corners by failing to take into account taxes and National Insurance contributions.

In partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland, the organisation has revealed that over half a million employment related cases were lodged over the past year, including instances of workers being denied statutory rights as well as sick leave or holidays.

"While the vast majority of employers try hard to meet their legal obligations, our evidence shows that there are still far too many rogues out there, flouting the law, ignoring rules without sanction and profiting from vulnerable workers," explained Citizens Advice chief executive David Harker.

"Tens of thousands of workers in the UK economy are currently failing to benefit from the UK Government's very welcome policy programme, revealing a real need for a 'fair employment commission' to give exploited workers somewhere to turn, give employers a level playing field, and root out the rogue employers."