Japan’s desperate ‘nuclear gypsies’

Economic downturn has forced many of Japan’s poorest people to work at the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, risking exposure to dangerous levels of radiation.

The growing number of so-called nuclear gypsies, who come from across the country, are working to repair the reactor crippled by the March 11 tsunami.

It is a job with severe health risks that most are not willing to brave.

Labour rights groups have complained to authorities about the lack of protection for the workers – who are not guaranteed training or health insurance.

Step Vaessen reports from Osaka.