Con-men running fraudulent home-working companies could be fined if a Private Members' Bill becomes law.

Birmingham Northfield MP, Richard Burden, hopes his bill will tackle schemes where home workers pay in advance for materials that never arrive or promises of future employment which are fulfilled. Companies that never pay for the work will also be covered by the Act. Those found guilty would face a £5,000 fine and a criminal record.

Burden said: "The people who run these bogus schemes have been getting away with it for far too long and this should finally put an end to their activities. These schemes cynically and cold bloodedly target the most vulnerable members of our society; pensioners, carers, the disabled, lone parents, those with learning difficulties or poor communication skills, or anyone who is not able to work outside the home but wants to do something to raise their family's income."

"I know from talking to experts in this area and to the Citizens Advice Bureau in my own constituency that this is a problem that for years has plagued Birmingham and the Midlands."

The Labour MP believes the bill stands a good chance of becoming law. "The Bill is backed by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, and the National Consumers Council. It has also been welcomed by the Department of Trade and Industry and I am very glad to have Government support on this issue, as well as the strong cross party support represented by my co-sponsors. I hope that all parties in both Houses will join me in a campaign to get this simple piece of legislation on to the statute books where its presence is long overdue."