Social media is being used to recruit workers who go on to be exploited, with some people arriving in the UK for work that doesn’t exist. ‘Debt bondage’ is an increasing tactic used by criminals, where victims are forced to work off debts they have no control over. That’s according to a new report by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), on labour exploitation and slavery in Britain.
Victims of labour exploitation are most commonly Vietnamese, Albanian and British, thought British victims are increasing in number. Forced labour accounts for around 30 per cent of all exploitation. Most victims are male EU nationals from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In the 12 months to March 2017, police in England and Wales recorded 2,255 modern slavery offences – far lower than the estimated picture of tens of thousands of offences, according to the regulator.
The report points out there are thousands of car washes, a potential place for exploitation; besides nail bars and building sites, taxis, cleaning and flower picking; cannabis growing and prostitution. “Efforts are being made to increase public awareness of potential exploitation, urging caution over low-cost establishments and encouraging the use of regulated companies,” the report says.
Some exploiters are providing workers with One Pay cash cards instead of opening bank accounts, the report says. “This may be an attempt to circumvent payment of tax and National Insurance, evidence which is required to open a bank account. There are also reports of workers being paid by ‘E-Card’ where funds are accessed via log-in details sent by email.”
Ian Waterfield, Head of Operations at the GLAA, said: “In May last year, the government and the public put their faith in us by granting our officers the legal powers they need to fight slavery and labour exploitation. The men and women who work for us are passionate, dedicated and committed. They work tirelessly every day to protect vulnerable people, to ensure workers get what they deserve, and to free those who are being forced to work or intimidated into handing over their hard-earned wages.
“And we do not stand alone – our achievements are a result of the close relationships we have with a vast range of partner agencies, businesses and charities. But there is much more to do. Slavery and exploitation continues to thrive in every town and every city and our dedicated workforce will continue to build on what we’ve achieved.”
Roger Bannister took up the role of interim Chief Executive at the GLAA on April 16, after the death of Paul Broadbent. Roger Bannister said: “The sad reality is that the criminality that drives exploitation and slavery is quite close to home in the towns, cities and countryside in which we live and work. I welcome the report findings and I am proud to help lead an organisation delivering some impressive results.”
The GLAA was given police-style powers in May 2017 and a wider remit beyond gangmasters to tackle exploitation across the UK labour market. During its first 12 months in operation, the GLAA has doubled its workforce to more than 120.
For the 29-page report in full visit the GLAA website.
