Over 1000% increase in Victims of Modern Slavery in the Care Sector

Modern slavery in the UK care sector is a growing concern that's been lurking in the shadows for far too long. Recent reports from the BBC and Unseen UK have unveiled some startling statistics. 

The number of potential victims of modern slavery in the care sector rose from 63 in 2021 to 708 in 2022. This is a shocking 1023.81% increase year-on-year. More concerning is that these figures are based on the number of calls to Unseen UKs modern slavery helpline.  

The real number of individuals being exploited in this way is unknown – but likely significantly higher than what is reported. 

A Growing Staffing Crisis

Job vacancies across the UK economy have been at record levels for the past year. The care sector is one of the worst affected. A combination of low-pay and tough working conditions means the workforce turnover in the sector is higher than most others. This means there is not only a lack of staff, but also a lack of experience as well. 

With a rapidly growing population of over 65s in the UK, it’s a staffing crisis that is only going to get worse as the need for care staff rises. This crisis is thought to be one of the factors driving modern slavery in the sector.

How it happens

Care sector staff are overwhelmingly recruited from overseas. This means that Brexit had a huge impact on recruitment in the sector. 

This is why, since February 2022, care workers and home carers have been featured on the Shortage Occupation List. Out of all the care sector staff recruited in 2022, 90% were recruited from non-EU countries.  

Recruiting overseas workers involves a sponsorship system. Employers sponsor individuals, vouching for their employment status and helping them secure a visa. The cost of sponsorship is usually a few hundred pounds. In theory, it’s a straightforward way to recruit internationally.  

However, criminals posing as legitimate employers or recruiters offer "sponsorship certificates" to overseas workers usually for a massively inflated fee. Figures from Unseen state that in some cases, as much as £25,000 is being charged to the worker. 

In other cases, the workers report having deductions from their monthly wages with no explanation or are charged exorbitant accommodation costs.  

The sponsorship process, designed to be a safeguard, becomes a tool for exploitation. Workers are left trapped in a cycle of debt and fear, bound to their sponsors who have complete control over their employment and, by extension, their lives.

Spotting Exploited Workers 

Modern slavery can be incredibly subtle, and the signs are easy to miss if you're not looking for them. Regardless of your industry, if you’re using agency staff to supplement your workforce you need to know what to look for.  

• Do the agency staff have control over their own identification documents, or does someone else hold them?  

• Are they free to move, or do they seem restricted in some way?  

• Do they show signs of distress or fear?  

• Are they isolated from others and have limited social interaction? 

These are some of the more obvious indicators, but you can find extensive guidance on the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority’s (GLAA) resources page, here.  

If you're concerned that someone may be a victim of modern slavery or exploitation, it's crucial to act. You can report the issue to the GLAA helpline on 0800 432 0804. If you're unsure, you can also call Unseen UK's modern slavery helpline for confidential advice on 0800 0121 700