FLEX has today launched a Prevention Working Paper, setting out a four-step plan to prevent trafficking for labour exploitation in the UK. The paper, which responds to Government plans to introduce a ‘Modern Slavery Bill’ to parliament later this year, calls for much greater emphasis to be placed on prevention measures in UK law, policy and practice.

FLEX Policy Director, Caroline Robinson commented:

“Whilst we applaud the Government’s commitment to ending modern day slavery, this goal will remain far from reach unless we tackle the root causes of trafficking for labour exploitation, including: unregulated labour markets; limited access to justice for workers; and labour sectors in which exploitation is rife.”

“In limiting the activities of the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority, reducing the scope of labour inspectorates and advocating a hostile environment for migrant workers, rather than preventing human trafficking, this government risks creating the conditions conducive to this crime taking place.”

FLEX has set out a roadmap of four key measures to prevent trafficking for labour exploitation in the UK:

1. Monitor labour standards & strengthen the labour rights of vulnerable workers;
2. Enforce employment law where flouted;
3. Regulate high-risk labour sectors; and
4. Ensure immigration responses do not contribute to trafficking for labour exploitation