Amid fears of a surge in care worker exploitation, Crimestoppers appeals for the public to speak up with concerns
The true scale of care workers being exploited, abused and used as modern slaves is unknown as most victims suffer silently behind closed doors.
Today, as Londoners lead their busy lives, the charity Crimestoppers is encouraging people to be aware of the signs of exploitation and to report their concerns anonymously in order for victims to be identified and safeguarded.
In recent years Unseen, the anti-slavery charity, has seen a worrying rise in calls about care sector workers being abused. It follows changes in the rules to make it easier for overseas social care staff to work in the UK after Brexit with the aim of filling thousands of job vacancies.
Most exploited care workers are women from overseas, working long and gruelling hours– often 20 hours each day. In some cases, they earn as little as £2 per hour. Those most at risk appear to be care workers from India, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Some have paid huge sums of money to unscrupulous employers or recruitment agencies to come to the UK on special visas designed to fill vacancies in the care sector. Often the workers do not understand their rights in the UK, which leaves them vulnerable to further abuse.
CS modern slavery campaign
Types of care sector settings that are vulnerable to modern slavery:
Residential care homes
Care homes with nursing
Adult day-care centres
Domiciliary or home care
Hospices
Signs to spot
Care workers being transported between venues by their employer
Victims may be confined to the care facility or their place of work
Limited freedom to leave or communicate with others
Long shifts without adequate breaks or rest
Victims may lack legal status or proper work permits
Personal and professional documents and I.D. held by employers
Underpayment or non-payment of wages
Multiple care workers living in the same accommodation – especially multiple staff in one room
Signs of staff having to live in inappropriate spaces – floor/shed/out-house/garage
Looking to another to speak for them or someone insisting on speaking for others
Staff kept out of the way during a visit or engagement
Members of staff unable to communicate with their clients effectively
Signs of physical abuse such as unexplained injuries, bruises, or scars
Neglect in terms of health and safety
Please contact the charity Crimestoppers and stay 100% anonymous by calling 0800 555 111 at any time or by completing a secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. A dedicated website and service for young people can be found at Fearless.org where they can find advice on how to keep safe and to report anonymously.
