Abuses evident for years in the UK care sector are now becoming apparent in the hospitality industry, according to a local charity running a modern slavery helpline. Lured by promises of a better life, migrant workers who come to the country on skilled worker visas are instead experiencing exploitation and abuse at the hands of their employers.

Promises vs. reality 

Takeaway and catering companies, bars and restaurants, as well as holiday accommodation like hotels, motels, campsites and holiday rentals. Those are the kinds of venues where the 485 potential victims of modern slavery who called the Unseen hotline over a 6-month period were working. And the charity said the reports have the same earmarks of abuse as those seen in the care sector over the last few years. 

Justine Carter, deputy chief executive at Unseen stated in The Independent: 

“There is a large disparity between what is promised to a worker and the reality once they arrive in the UK.”  

Further, Carter shared that Illegal fees are reportedly being charged in exchange for visas and certificates of sponsorship. And workers commonly report being forced to live on site or in accommodation provided by their employer. If workers speak up or push back at all, they are threatened with having their visas revoked or with being deported. 

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