Signs of slavery, including paying the wages of four men into one bank account, were missed while 16 victims were exploited over more than four years.
Businesses have a responsibility to limit the risk of exploitation within their workforce, said Chloe Cranston, head of thematic advocacy programmes at human rights group Anti-Slavery International.
She told HR magazine: “We all want to experience decent work and be compensated fairly. But around the world there are nearly 50 million people in modern slavery. In the UK alone, over 120,000 people are estimated to be in modern slavery.
“Businesses have a responsibility to respect the human rights of all those working throughout their supply chains, but many companies are not doing enough to ensure that workers are being protected. There is always something that businesses can do to prevent and mitigate the risk of exploitation in their supply chains.”
Read more: Punishing strikers violates human rights, Supreme Court rules
The BBC reported that there were several red flags in the cases they reported, including victims’ wages being paid into others’ bank accounts, victims working up to 100 hours a week, and multiple employees having the same registered address. The victims were also unable to speak English, and job applications were completed by a gang member, who was even able to sit in on job interviews as a translator.
Andrew Wallis, chief executive of charity Unseen, said that HR professionals should be able to spot signs of slavery within their organisation.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: "HR plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing modern slavery within organisations. To spot the signs, HR professionals should be aware of red flags such as isolation, potential victims who are rarely allowed to travel on their own, restricted freedom of movement, and reluctance to seek help. Potential victims may also show signs of physical or psychological abuse.”
He added that safe reporting mechanisms are vital: “To encourage employees to speak up, HR departments should create a safe and confidential reporting mechanism. This could involve providing anonymous hotlines – signposting to the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline – designated reporting officers or clearly defined policies for raising concerns.”
If evidence of slavery is found, Wallis emphasised the importance of decisive action: “It's crucial to protect the safety and wellbeing of potential victims, ensuring their confidentiality and providing necessary support.
“If evidence of slavery is found, employers must take decisive steps to terminate any exploitative relationships and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.”
Cranston added: “When employers identify cases of exploitation, they need to make sure that people who have been harmed in their supply chains have access to justice and remediation for the harm they’ve experienced."
Read more: New EHRC guidance for employers on preventing sexual harassment
How to spot signs of labour abuse
Phil Cain, director of operational delivery at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, which regulates businesses who provide workers to the fresh produce supply chain, told HR magazine that key red flags include:
-
The person may not have access to their passport or other travel or identity documents, and you’re speaking to someone acting on their behalf.
-
The documents they provide look falsified.
-
Show signs that their movements are being controlled.
-
They’re unfamiliar with the local language.
-
The show fear or anxiety
-
They don’t know their home or work address.
-
A number of potential applicants all live at the same address.
Employees may also notice the following in a person who is being exploited:
-
They scavenge for food
-
Working excessively long hours with little or no breaks and rarely any days off
-
They leave the workplace with their employer
-
They do not socialise or have very little interaction with others
-
They may not be dressed adequately for the conditions (e.g. No warm clothing or no PPE)
-
They’re in fear of the authorities
-
You notice injuries
The spokesperson added: “If you know of a business operating outside the law, exploiting workers, gaining an unfair or illegal advantage, or you have any information, then you can call 0800 012 1700, email us at contact@gla.gov.uk or complete our online form.
“If you believe the person is in immediate danger, please contact 999 and inform the police.”
