Why we cannot ignore plight of 130,000 modern slavery victims: Greg Wright

In its report, The Modern Slavery Act 2015: Becoming World-Leading Again, the cross-party committee examines the alarming rise in the number of modern slavery reports in the care sector and recommends imposing new duties on employers to help tackle modern slavery in supply chains.

The number of reported victims in the care sector has rocketed by 400 per cent since it was added to the Shortage Occupation List, according to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

The committee is urging the Government to establish “secure reporting pathways” so workers can report exploitation without fear of repercussions for their migration status.

The Government must also strengthen the rights of workers on visa schemes, to change employers, renew visas, and apply for transitional work permits, the report concludes.

Baroness O’Grady, Chair of the House of Lords Modern Slavery Act 2015 Committee, warned that too many perpetrators are free to profit from victims with impunity.

She added: “Modern slavery is a hidden crime, which occurs in many areas, including illegal drugs, prostitution, domestic service, agriculture, and the care sector. Investigations and prosecutions can be complex, but there are known ways of improving their success.”

But what steps can the Government take? According to the committee, minsters should introduce legislation focused on prevention, including wider use of Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders.

There should also be stronger workers’ rights which reduce opportunities for extreme exploitation and steps should be taken to ensure that immigration legislation does not punish victims.

The promised Fair Pay Agreement in the care sector offers an opportunity to get to grips with a working environment that can be characterised by low pay and insecure employment, which are the conditions in which modern slavery thrives.

To quote Baroness O’Grady: “When the Modern Slavery Act was passed in 2015, the UK was said to be world-leading but that is no longer the case. The UK is falling behind other countries and victims are paying the price.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said that modern slavery should be ended “for good”.

Apart from boosting the number of labour standards inspectors, the Government must highlight the role we can all play in liberating the victims.

Do you suspect a local farm or care home worker is being denied pay and held against their will? You must contact the authorities. The battle against modern slavery must be driven by public vigilance.

Greg Wright is the deputy business editor of The Yorkshire Post