A major change to labour market enforcement in England took effect on 7 April 2026 with the launch of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), a single, national enforcement body for workers’ rights—bringing together responsibilities that were previously spread across multiple organisations.
As part of this change, the FWA has formally replaced the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). The GLAA was the UK’s primary body for tackling labour exploitation and modern slavery. Its functions now sit within the FWA, alongside enforcement of pay, contracts, and working conditions.
Alongside this, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) remains the UK’s system for identifying and supporting victims. The FWA investigates and enforces against employers; where potential victims are identified, individuals can be referred into the NRM for safeguarding and support.
This is not a rebrand—it is a structural shift. Modern slavery enforcement now operates within a wider system that links exploitation directly to employment practices, increasing both visibility and enforcement capability.
What has changed
The former GLAA’s responsibilities are now fully integrated within the FWA.
This means:
- A single enforcement body covering exploitation, pay, and worker treatment
- Joined-up intelligence, linking underpayment and poor conditions with potential abuse
- More coordinated investigations, where risks span multiple areas
Concerns that may previously have been treated separately are now assessed together, creating a clearer picture of potential exploitation.
Full remit of the Fair Work Agency
The FWA has a broad and expanded remit covering enforcement of key employment rights and labour protections. It now brings together:
Pay and statutory rights enforcement
- National Minimum Wage compliance (previously under HM Revenue and Customs)
- Holiday pay and Statutory Sick Pay enforcement
- Recovery of unpaid wages and worker entitlements
Labour market regulation
- Employment agency standards and regulation of labour providers
- Oversight of recruitment practices, including protections for vulnerable workers
Modern slavery and labour exploitation
- Investigation of labour abuse and exploitation under the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Identification of potential victims and safeguarding responses
- Referral into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
Enforcement and legal powers
- Entering premises and carrying out inspections
- Requiring documents and employment records
- Issuing penalties and enforcement notices
- Bringing employment tribunal claims on behalf of workers
- Coordinating intelligence and cross-agency investigations
This consolidated remit enables the FWA to act more quickly and effectively where multiple breaches—such as underpayment, coercion, and poor conditions—occur together.
Stronger action on modern slavery
The FWA is actively enforcing provisions linked to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, with a more proactive and joined-up approach.
This includes:
- Earlier identification of exploitation risks, particularly among migrant workers
- Investigations combining employment breaches and safeguarding concerns
- Referrals of potential victims into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
- Cross-agency intelligence sharing to detect patterns of abuse
For adult social care, this is particularly relevant given the sector’s reliance on international recruitment and the increased vulnerability of some workers.
What this means for care providers
Providers are now operating within a system with greater visibility and enforcement capability.
In practice:
- Concerns about pay or conditions may trigger wider investigations into exploitation
- There is increased scrutiny of sponsorship practices and worker treatment
- Safeguarding expectations are more closely aligned with labour enforcement
- Providers are expected to demonstrate clear, ethical employment practices
Reporting concerns: modern slavery or unfair treatment
There is now a clearer route to raise concerns. Providers, staff, and partners should report immediately if they suspect:
- Underpayment or unlawful deductions
- Threats linked to visa status or sponsorship
- Excessive working hours or restrictions on movement
- Poor living conditions tied to employment
- Any signs of coercion, control, or exploitation
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
How to report
Fair Work Agency (enforcement and investigation)
- Online: Report serious abuse or exploitation at work
- Email: contact@fairworkagency.gov.uk
- Phone: 0345 161 6000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
National Referral Mechanism (support and safeguarding)
- Online referral system via GOV.UK (for designated first responders)
- Public reporting route: https://www.modernslavery.gov.uk
Reports can be made confidentially. Individuals identified as at risk may be referred for support and protection.