Are you being treated unfairly?
Signs of unfair treatment
You may be a victim of unfair treatment, abuse or modern slavery (see below), if you are:
- being charged exorbitant fees by your sponsor
- being paid very low wages
- poor working conditions
- not working in the job you were promised.
If any of these conditions apply to you, it’s critical to act quickly to safeguard your rights and well-being.
How to get help
Many agencies, including the police, the Salvation Army, other charities, and local councils, can offer support and refer you through the National Referral Mechanism to ensure you receive the appropriate help.
Call the UK modern slavery & exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700
The UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpine (Unseen): this helpline and online referral resource is managed by “Unseen” a UK charity that works with individuals, communities, businesses, governments, other charities, and statutory agencies to stamp out modern slavery.
The Police: If you believe there is an immediate danger or you witness a crime, call the police emergency number (999) right away. For non-emergencies, you can contact your local police station or the non-emergency number (101).
Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans offer a free support line, which you can call any time to talk to an advisor who can offer advice and direct you to further support. Call 116 123.
Migrant Help UK: Resource and support available online.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM): The NRM is a process for identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery. You can make a referral to the NRM through the Home Office, law enforcement, or a designated organization. The NRM referral form can be completed online.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA): If the exploitation involves labour abuse or workers’ rights violations, you can report it to the GLAA. They investigate and take action against businesses or individuals exploiting workers.
What is modern slavery?
Modern Slavery is a term that covers a multitude of abuse, where an individual is taken advantage of for someone else’s personal, commercial, or criminal gain. Unfortunately, there have been cases of people who have come to work in the care industry in the UK who are experiencing modern slavery.
Common examples of modern slavery
- Had to pay fees during recruitment process
- Been deceived about the nature of the job role, hours and pay.
- Worked excessively long hours.
- Received little or no pay.
- Paid less than hours worked.
- Been deducted money from pay for, for example, fees or accommodation.
- Been told money is owed to the employer.
- Had to work without the correct equipment or training.
- Felt trapped and unable to leave the job.
- Been forced to work through fear, threats of repercussions, (for example, loss of work, loss of job, reported to authorities).
- Been subjected to physical, verbal, or psychological abuse from employer.
- Been controlled (for example, no freedom of choice, being told what to say).
- Been asked to hand over, or not been in possession of own identity documents, including passport, visas, biometric residence permits (BRPs).
- Only allowed to stay in accommodation provided by employer (cannot choose where to live)
- Lived in overcrowded accommodation.
- Had to share a room with someone previously not known, and had no choice who to share with
- Been made to distrust authorities in the UK.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, independent legal advice. They have produced a helpful resource, Problems with work if you have a Health and Care Worker visa, which includes the following:
- Advice on ensuring correct wages and addressing unlawful deductions
- Information on dealing with exploitation, such as unfair pay, long hours, or unsuitable living conditions
- Steps to take if your employer asks you to cover sponsorship fees