The Home Office has launched a modern slavery marketing campaign to raise awareness that slavery exists in the UK. Modern Slavery can take many forms including the trafficking of people, forced labour, servitude and slavery. Recent statistics show that 27% of potential victims are trafficked into labour exploitation. Traffickers and unscrupulous recruitment agencies target a range of industries including those involved in hospitality.
With the hospitality sector employing over 2.4 million people and contributing over £34 billion to the UK economy, traffickers and organized criminals are looking for opportunities to exploit the industry. In 2013, 1% (7 victims) of forced labour victims referred to services came from the restaurant or bar sector, and 41% of victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, with 4% (44 people) sexually exploited in hotels. While the numbers coming to light are small, the hidden nature of this crime means actual numbers are likely to be much higher.
The vast majority of employers will be recruiting people legitimately, but some firms could find themselves targeted by unscrupulous agencies or individuals.
All hotels and restaurants should make proper background checks on the agencies who supply them with labour, including where the agency is operating in a supervisory role. The Association of Labour Providers and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation are the two main recruitment industry associations, and work with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to tackle slavery.
To access the Hospitality factsheet and its guidance click here
For more information click here