An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and The Independent has uncovered a report done by the UK Home Office on the seasonal workers scheme launched in 2019. Allegations in the report detail the mistreatment of migrants on seasonal workers’ visas so egregious that the government could be found in breach of its obligations to prevent modern slavery. 

Starved, abused, denied medical care and financially exploited 

The Home Office Report found that workers on nearly two-thirds of farms they inspected were not always paid for the hours they had worked. Many also reported having excessive deductions taken from their wages that went beyond the maximum allowed by law. 

MP Jackie Doyle-Price told The Independent:  

“What this shows is that modern slavery is everywhere. And migrant workers are as likely to be subject to it whether they come here legally or illegally.” 

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