Exploitation of Seasonal Workers Exposed on UK Farms, Home Office Reports Reveal
British farmers are facing accusations of modern slavery due to the alleged widespread exploitation of seasonal workers on UK farms. These shocking revelations were brought to light by a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and The Independent. Disturbing evidence suggests that workers who traveled long distances to fill labor gaps in the agricultural sector have been subjected to humiliation, unpaid wages, and deplorable living conditions.
The Home Office, however, attempted to suppress the release of these damning reports. Collected in secret between 2021 and 2022, the reports were finally made public after a prolonged five-month battle. The mistreatment of these migrant workers is so severe that it potentially puts the government in breach of its obligations to prevent modern slavery.
The investigation, which uncovered a range of disturbing practices, was based on 19 inspection reports obtained by the TBIJ. These reports detailed interviews and findings from inspectors who visited farms employing seasonal workers. Although the names of the farms were redacted for commercial reasons, the findings shed light on a distressing reality.
A senior Conservative MP, who is a member of the all-party group for modern slavery and trafficking, stated that these findings demonstrate that modern slavery is everywhere. The MP emphasized the need for the Home Office to take decisive action when instances of abuse are identified, especially considering the vulnerability of seasonal workers.
The UK government established the seasonal worker scheme in 2019 to address anticipated labor shortages following Brexit. While 2,500 visas were initially available, this year’s estimate is as high as 55,000 visas granted to individuals from countries like Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, and Ukraine. Astonishingly, the reports reveal that these workers have faced far greater levels of exploitation than the government had previously acknowledged.
The inspection reports, analyzed by the TBIJ, revealed that almost half of the interviewed workers raised concerns related to their welfare. These concerns included racism, wage theft, and threats of deportation for failing to meet targets. At one farm, where numerous complaints were made, a manager was reported to have humiliated workers with racist remarks and expressed a desire for them to return to their respective countries.
Shockingly, despite the serious allegations detailed in the Home Office reports regarding working hours and living conditions, none of the claims have been investigated. The independent chief inspector of borders and immigration confirmed this troubling fact. The farming minister, Mark Spencer, had even claimed last month that seasonal workers were very well looked after and that their welfare needs were adequately met by employers.
Human rights lawyers argue that the government’s failure to investigate potential cases of forced labor may constitute a breach of its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. A solicitor from the Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit, a charity representing modern slavery victims, accused the government of presiding over state-sponsored exploitation.
The Home Office reports also highlight the prevalence of unpaid hours, with nearly two-thirds of inspected farms revealing that workers were not always compensated for their work hours or travel time. Excessive deductions, exceeding the legal limits, were another issue faced by these vulnerable workers.
In contrast to other work visas where employers sponsor residency permits, the agricultural seasonal worker visa system relies on six licensed recruiters who determine which farms workers will be employed on and whether they can be transferred if problems arise. These recruiters also bear the responsibility of ensuring fair treatment, proper payment, and hygienic accommodation. Despite the numerous issues raised during inspections, no government-licensed scheme recruiter has faced license revocation or sanctions for failing to meet required standards.
The findings also expose the prevalence of unlawful recruitment fees, higher than previously believed. Workers from six countries reported paying recruiters up to £7,500 for securing jobs in the UK, a practice that is illegal.
Reacting to these revelations, a Liberal Democrat peer and member of the modern slavery APPG described them as horrifying. He criticized the government’s Illegal Migration Act, which he believes will exacerbate the problem by preventing those who enter the UK illegally from accessing modern slavery protections. He emphasized the moral duty to protect legitimate workers from exploitation.
Responding to the TBIJ’s findings, the Home Office stated that improvements have been made each year to prevent exploitation and improve working conditions. A new team has been established to safeguard workers’ rights, including enhanced training for compliance inspectors and the publication of clear guidance for scheme operators to take robust action against exploitation.
The exploitation of seasonal workers on UK farms, as exposed by the Home Office reports, represents a distressing reality. It is crucial that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and protect vulnerable workers from ongoing abuse and exploitation.
