diff --git a/rq/compat/__init__.py b/rq/compat/__init__.py
index 5e660b5..3095983 100644
--- a/rq/compat/__init__.py
+++ b/rq/compat/__init__.py
@@ -69,7 +69,9 @@ else:
     string_types = (str, unicode)
 
     def as_text(v):
-        return v
+        if v is None:
+            return None
+        return v.decode('utf-8')
 
     def decode_redis_hash(h):
         return h
diff --git a/tests/test_worker.py b/tests/test_worker.py
index 764cf46..c6d85ff 100644
--- a/tests/test_worker.py
+++ b/tests/test_worker.py
@@ -307,3 +307,14 @@ class TestWorker(RQTestCase):
         # Updates worker statuses
         self.assertEqual(worker.state, 'busy')
         self.assertEqual(worker.get_current_job_id(), job.id)
+
+    def test_work_unicode_friendly(self):
+        """Worker processes work with unicode description, then quits."""
+        q = Queue('foo')
+        w = Worker([q])
+        job = q.enqueue('tests.fixtures.say_hello', name='Adam',
+                        description='你好 世界!')
+        self.assertEquals(w.work(burst=True), True,
+                          'Expected at least some work done.')
+        self.assertEquals(job.result, 'Hi there, Adam!')
+        self.assertEquals(job.description, '你好 世界!')