Hidden in Plain Sight: Modern Slavery in the Care Sector

by | Oct 23, 2024

The UK care sector, while vital to supporting vulnerable individuals, has unfortunately been a target for modern slavery. Despite its reputation for providing compassionate and quality care, there have been instances of exploitation and abuse within the industry.

Care workers, often from marginalised communities or foreign countries, can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation. They may face language barriers, limited job opportunities, and a fear of deportation, making them susceptible to coercion and manipulation. These factors can create a climate where modern slavery can thrive.

Earlier this year, The Guardian reported that ‘modern slavery is surging in social care since ministers relaxed immigration rules to fill thousands of vacancies’ [1].

Examples of Modern Slavery in the Care Sector

  • Forced Labour: Care workers may be subjected to excessive workloads, unpaid overtime, and poor living conditions. They may also be denied their wages or have their passports confiscated.
  • Debt Bondage: Some care workers may be lured to the UK with promises of employment, a better life, but find themselves trapped in debt.
  • They may be required to repay exorbitant fees for recruitment or travel. This leaves them indebted to their employers and unable to leave.
  • Human Trafficking: In some cases, care workers may be trafficked into the UK for forced labour. They may be coerced or deceived into working in the care sector against their will.

Modern Slavery Case Study

In 2023, the BBC reported the case of Terri, a victim of modern slavery, who came to the UK on a work visa after being recruited by an agency in her home country in Africa [2]. Terri was enticed by the promise of a £29,000 salary as a care assistant for a care company. Seeing the offer as a chance to escape an abusive marriage, Terri brought her children and mother to the UK. 

However, the reality of the situation set in when Terri was made to work gruelling 20 hour days, seven days a week, walking between appointments when the car she was promised did not materialise. Despite the law stating that care workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage of £10.42, Terri was paid less than £2 an hour. When Terri complained to the care company they threatened to stop her work and cancel her visa.

This forced Terri and her family out of their accommodation and they were spotted sleeping on the street and reported to social services. Terri and her family ended up in the National Referral Mechanism, the government system set up to identify and support victims of modern slavery. Terri is now seeking asylum and has support from the charity, Causeway.

Spotting Modern Day Slavery in the Care Sector

The local authority, Sandwell Borough Council, provides a useful guide for identifying potential cases of modern slavery in the care sector [3]. Their advice is summarised here:

Modern Slavery Training

So why take a training course like Health Academy’s Modern Slavery training? Organisations should ensure that their employees are properly trained on modern slavery. This training should cover the following topics:

  • What modern slavery is and the different forms it can take
  • How to spot the signs of modern slavery
  • What businesses can do to prevent modern slavery
  • How to report concerns about modern slavery

There are a number of reasons why modern slavery training is important. First, it can help businesses to comply with the law. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires businesses with a turnover of £36 million or more to produce a slavery and human trafficking statement. This statement must set out the steps that the business has taken to prevent modern slavery in its operations and supply chains.

Second, modern slavery training can help businesses to protect their reputation. Consumers are increasingly aware of the issue of modern slavery and are more likely to do business with companies that are taking steps to address it.

Third, modern slavery training can help businesses to improve their supply chains. By training employees to spot the signs of modern slavery, businesses can identify and address potential problems in their supply chains before they become major issues.

More Information and Support

For more information, you can visit these websites:

References

  1. The Guardian (online), 2024, www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/21/modern-slavery-in-social-care-surging-since-visa-rules-eased
  2. BBC News (online), 2023, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66260064 
  3. Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, www.sandwell.gov.uk/modern-slavery/identifying-modern-slavery/5 

Bullying & Harassment

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This Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace training course is for ALL employees. It provides practical steps and conscientious guidance to help prevent, identify and confidently confront bullying and harassment at work.

Modern Slavery

£22.80

This Online Modern Slavery Training Course is for everyone. It provides the knowledge on how to report, acknowledge and how to handle modern slavery in and around the workplace. Alongside this, it touches upon the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

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