A NEW Lancashire-based fraud hotline is aiming to crack down on unscrupulous bosses.
The Business Anti-Fraud Hotline has been set up to expose employers who avoid national insurance payments or collude with staff claiming benefits when they are working.
"It has been set up in response to strong representations from the business community," said John Denham, minister responsible for fighting fraud.
"They have complained about unfair competition by unscrupulous employers who are evading National Insurance liabilities and using social security benefits to subsidise their wage bill."
The new initiative will be based alongside the National Fraud Benefits Line in Preston. All calls, treated confidentially, will checked and then investigated by Contributions Agency staff.
The number for the hotline is 0800 788887.
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