In a report published today a group of experts on modern slavery reveal that uncertainty, confusion and threats to EU migrants as a result of Brexit is making it more likely that EU workers will face labour exploitation in the UK.

Commenting on the report, Focus on Labour Exploitation Director Caroline Robinson said:

“Uncertainty is undermining EU migrant workers’ confidence in their rights and status, and is making it more difficult for them to speak out against abuse. Clear information is urgently needed from the Government to prevent unscrupulous employers from taking advantage of the fear and confusion felt by many workers”

The report details how Brexit is already contributing to an increased risk of labour exploitation and how it could make modern slavery more likely in the future. LEAG Chair Lucila Granada, Director of the Latin American Women’s Rights Service, said:

“At LAWRS we have seen a huge increase in demand for our advice and support services as people are experiencing high levels of anxiety and are being given false information about their status. This is making EU nationals extremely vulnerable to abuse at work. This important report highlights the problems our clients are facing and calls on the government to take action to protect them from further exploitation.”

Notes to editors:

– Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) works to end human trafficking for labour exploitation. www.labourexploitation.org

– The Labour Exploitation Advisory Group (LEAG) is a is a group of experts from key organisations working with potential and actual victims of trafficking for labour exploitation

– Download the report Lost in Transition: Brexit & Labour Exploitation here.