Anti-Slavery Day 18 October 2024.
Today is anti-slavery day which aims to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking, encouraging action to address the problem. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth is working to highlight the challenges that some people face when coming to the UK to work, to encourage us to look out for those who may be at risk of exploitation.
Many people come to the UK to work each year. They often take roles where there is a skills shortage in the UK. Many migrant workers will have a positive experience of employment. However, through our parishes, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth, has become aware that this is not always the case and some migrant workers are exploited.
We wanted to find out more about how we as a Church can respond if we become aware of cases of labour abuse or exploitation. In partnership with Transformation Cornwall we held an inspiring discussion workshop in Camborne in October with local organisations committed to helping migrant workers who find themselves in crisis, particularly those in the care sector. We wanted to work together to find ways to help migrant workers struggling to survive. Participants included other faith organisations, voluntary sector groups and statutory partners.
The care sector in the UK relies on non-EU migrant workers. The Government opened sponsored visas routes to boost the workforce, and non-EU care workers now make up 19% of the UK care workforce1. Many of our congregations have been strengthened by migrant workers and their families, and they contribute enormously to the care of our ageing family and friends in care homes, in the community and in the health service.
Several parishes have reported to us that they have encountered migrant care sector workers in crisis, where promised jobs turn out on arrival to have far fewer hours available, making it impossible to make ends meet, or people arrive to find the promised job no longer exists at all. People working on the sponsored visa scheme are not eligible for any government support, so this puts people at risk of destitution, debt and exploitation.
Caritas Plymouth and Transformation Cornwall are working together to create resources that will help parishes to signpost migrant workers in crisis to organisations that can help and advise them of their rights. It is important to ensure that people coming to the UK to support those in need of care and support are not themselves left to struggle if their working situation leaves them without the means to live in dignity.
We must all work together to prevent people becoming victims of labour abuse and Modern Slavery.
If you are concerned about an individual who you feel may be being exploited, please download a copy of our poster which highlights the signs of modern slavery and what you can do if you are concerned. You can also speak to our diocesan safeguarding team.
