Modern Slavery in the care sector – What is it?
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is an umbrella term which encompasses all forms of slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation.
In all forms of modern slavery an exploiter uses means of control such as the threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, or an abuse of power or vulnerability to exploit another person for personal, financial, or commercial gain.
This exploitation may include sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, forced criminality, slavery, financial exploitation, or removal of organs.
People who are subjected to modern slavery can be children or adults, of any gender, from all backgrounds, countries, and communities.
Care Recipients and Care Workers can both be victims of modern slavery
Care Recipients
- Vulnerable individuals receiving care are at risk of various forms of exploitation.
- Abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect may indicate modern slavery.
- Identifying and addressing signs of exploitation is crucial for their safety and well-being.
Care Workers
- Migrant workers, undocumented employees, and caregivers with limited rights are particularly vulnerable.
- Exploitation exists on a spectrum, from worker rights violations to organised crime.
- Addressing unfair labour practices and safeguarding workers' rights is essential.
Areas of exploitation in care
- Agencies: Care agencies may be involved in exploiting workers. This could result from inadequate oversight, poor labour practices, or a deliberate intention to exploit vulnerable workers for financial gain. Caution should be exercised when engaging with such agencies.
- Individual Workers within Agencies: In certain cases, individual workers within care agencies may exploit their colleagues or subordinates. These individuals, often in positions of power or influence, take advantage of their positions to exploit vulnerable workers for personal gain.
- Recruitment Agencies: External recruitment agencies, both within the source country and the UK, may contribute to modern slavery in the care industry. These agencies may engage in deceptive recruitment methods, charge excessive fees, or create situations of debt bondage and exploitation.
- External Individuals or Gangs: Modern slavery in the care sector can involve external individuals or criminal gangs who operate independently or in coordination with agencies or recruitment networks. These perpetrators use physical or psychological coercion, wage withholding, or exploitative working conditions to subjugate vulnerable workers.