Modern Slavery in the care sector - Care workers
Care workers: Indicators of Modern Slavery
- Excessive debt: Be wary of employees with overwhelming financial obligations beyond their means.
- Retained identity documents: Monitor any retention of employees' passports or identification papers by third parties.
- Withheld wages: Pay attention to complaints of delayed or withheld wages that create dependency.
- Unreasonable deductions: Investigate any unauthorised or excessive deductions from employees' salaries.
- Workplace living arrangements: Ensure appropriate living conditions and fair rent practices for staff living on-site.
- Physical and emotional indicators: Be alert to signs of physical exhaustion, emotional distress, or changes in behaviour.
- Isolation and restricted communication: Note if employees are isolated or unable to freely communicate outside of work.
- Excessive overtime: Monitor excessive working hours beyond legal limits.
- Lack of employment contracts: Ensure all employees have clear and fair employment contracts.
- Language barriers: Provide language support to ensure employees fully comprehend their rights.
- Education and awareness: Train staff and management on identifying and addressing debt bondage and modern slavery.
Timeline of Modern Slavery increase
Vacancy crisis:
- The care sector is facing a vacancy crisis, the vacancy rate for 2022/2023 was 9.9%
- This means that nearly 1 in 10 roles in care agencies in the UK remains unfilled, creating pressure and potential vulnerabilities.
Introduction of Skilled Care Worker Visa routes:
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In January 2022, the government lowered the barrier for foreign care workers to be allowed to work in the UK. This meant that – if they could find a UK -based company willing to sponsor them – workers could be granted visas for relatively low-paid roles.
Increase in workers from abroad:
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By March 2023, the government had issued 102,000 Skilled Worker – Health and Care visas to foreign workers.
Recruitment challenges:
- Rise in illegitimate recruitment agencies in countries of origin charging up to £10,000 for visa applications and forging visa documentation.
- Rise in illegitimate care agencies in the UK. These agencies may underpay and/or overwork workers, subject workers to poor living conditions, or be involved in serious organised crime.
Increase in reports:
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The Modern Slavery Helpline saw a 1000% increase in reported concerns related to the care sector between 2021 and 2022.
Implications:
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The most vulnerable individuals in society are at risk of receiving care from unqualified and/or exploited personnel.