Modern Slavery in Care

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that encompasses human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced labour. Someone is in slavery if they are:

• forced to work through mental or physical threat
• owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse
• dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as 'property'
• physically constrained or have restrictions placed on their freedom

Criminals gangs are exploiting people to work in the care sector by enabling people from overseas to work in the UK.

Indicators of forced or compulsory labour are:

• no or limited access to earnings or labour contract
• excessive wage reductions, withholding wages, or financial penalties
• dependence on the employer for a number of services, for example: work, transport and accommodation
• any evidence that workers are required to pay for tools, food or accommodation via deductions from their pay
• imposed place of accommodation
• poor living conditions
• evidence of excessive working days or hours
• deceived about the nature of the job, location, or employer
• the employer or manager is unable to produce documents required when employing the migrant
• the employer or manager is unable to provide a record of wages paid to workers
• poor or non-existent health and safety equipment or no health and safety notices
• any other evidence of labour laws being breached

If you have any concerns about modern slavery, including yourself, contact our Safeguarding Adults Team.

Local authorities have a duty to safeguard vulnerable people from abuse and neglect, even if the person does not receive care services or funds their own care.

You can also contact:

• the police on 101
• Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700