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To mark UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership is highlighting labour exploitation of seasonal workers.
Seasonal workers have a significant role to play in our local economy and the work they do is valued by many, and is in the main recognised through ethical employment, proper payment and working conditions. However in some cases due to their transient nature and status seasonal workers can be particularly vulnerable to labour exploitation. Forced labour offences in the UK apply regardless of the victim’s immigration status or entitlement to work in the UK.
Who is affected
Forced labour is sometimes hidden, but often people are exploited in plain sight. Victims can come from a variety of backgrounds – they may be UK citizens, EU migrants or from outside of the EU. Victims are controlled by force, threats, coercion, abduction, fraud and deception.
Last year 895 adults were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as victims of labour exploitation (16 female, 734 male). 288 children (21 female and 267 male) were also referred as victims of labour exploitation. The most recognised nationalities were Albanian, Vietnamese, Romanian and Polish.
Not be recognised as an Isle of Wight problem
Whilst Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery may not be recognised as problems on the Isle of Wight, as with all communities it will exist.
With a significant number of seasonal workers employed on the Isle of Wight in agricultural and tourism industries, the Modern Slavery Partnership, which is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, is writing to Island employers of seasonal workers to invite them join the partnership. They are also asking them, and members of the community, to be aware of the signs of labour exploitation and report any concerns they have about workers to the police.
Jess Gealer, Modern Slavery Partnership Co-ordinator, said,
“Victims may be reluctant to tell their story through fear of reprisal or not being believed, a feeling of shame about letting themselves be treated badly, or because they do not know their rights and the treatment they are entitled to. Often victims will have travel or identification documents taken from them and will have to work long hours for little or no pay. They may have to live in unsuitable or degrading conditions often at the work location.”
Sergeant Mark Lyth of the Isle of Wight rural policing team said,
“The primary concern for the police when we receive a report of this type will always be to safeguard victims and prevent further risk of harm to them. However we will also seek to disrupt criminal activity associated with modern slavery and prosecute unscrupulous employers where ever possible.
“We know that labour exploitation exists across our communities and that includes on the Isle of Wight. We also recognise and support those people engaged in seasonal employment here on the island and value the contribution those workers make to the Islands economy. However Seasonal workers can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation and we would encourage members of the public who have concerns about the health, wellbeing or exploitation of such workers to report that to us via 101.”
Mark Heath, Head of Business Change and Development, Gangmasters Licensing Authority said,
“The Gangmasters Licensing Authority is pleased to support the work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership. Vulnerable people can be targeted by those seeking to exploit them for their own profit. This can often be seen in sectors which require short term or seasonal labour. Any initiative to raise awareness of the risks to individuals and businesses is to be welcomed.”
David Thornton, Visit Isle of Wight CEO comments on the value of seasonal workers,
“Everyone who works in tourism on the Isle of Wight is part of the Island’s welcoming holiday experience and a highly valued part of the tourism industry, irrespective of the length of their contract, but we are especially grateful to our seasonal workers, as without them we just couldn’t deliver that warm welcome and level of service that our holiday makers have come to expect during the peak season.”
Recognising the signs
People who are subject to forced labour are typically made to work in sectors such as: Agriculture, food processing and packaging, construction, entertainment, service industry and manufacturing.
The signs of labour exploitation are not often immediately apparent but may include:
- Workers may lack self-esteem, seem anxious or fearful
- Workers may have language difficulties
- Workers may appear to be in need of medical attention or have injuries that appear to be the result of an assault
- Workers may appear under nourished
- They may also appear to be unsanitary or wear the same clothes every day
- There may well be a lack of appropriate safety clothing or equipment
- Workers may work long hours and have no days off
- Workers may be living on site and in unsuitable places or conditions
- Workers may not be in possession of their own ID documents
- Workers may not have access to their own bank accounts or their bank accounts are used for financial criminal purposes.
