UN Expert Warns UK Government About Forced Labor Under Seasonal Worker Scheme
UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, has issued a warning to the UK government regarding reports of forced labor within the country’s seasonal worker scheme. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) reported on Friday that these reports could potentially amount to breaches of international law. The UK’s seasonal worker scheme, which was introduced in 2019 to address labor shortages caused by Brexit, has been plagued by acts of intimidation, threats, sexual harassment, and poor living conditions for workers on UK farms. Other issues include long hours, underpayment, and a lack of access to sick leave.
Obokata expressed his concerns about the government’s failure to investigate allegations of abuse and forced labor, stating that it would constitute a clear breach of international human rights obligations. He also highlighted the weaknesses of the UK seasonal scheme, which relies on private sector recruiters known as scheme operators. These operators create a relationship of dependence that makes it difficult for workers to speak out against abuse or mistreatment. According to Obokata, it is the responsibility of the government to protect the well-being of workers through monitoring and inspecting workplaces.
TBIJ previously reported in October 2023 on the UK government’s lack of action in response to mistreatment of seasonal workers, despite the Home Office’s awareness of these allegations. TBIJ argues that the government’s failure to investigate these claims constitutes a violation of its obligation to prevent modern slavery.
Freedom of information requests by TBIJ have revealed that 44 percent of workers interviewed as part of their investigation experienced mistreatment, including racism, wage theft, and threats of deportation. In three farms with the highest number of complaints, 80 percent of workers reported mistreatment or discrimination.
In March 2023, TBIJ and VICE WORLD News conducted an investigation that exposed the exploitative conditions on UK farms. Migrants working on more than 20 farms, nurseries, and packhouses in 2022 reported mistreatment such as being unable to use the toilet for fear of missing work targets, being made to work in harsh weather conditions, and being reprimanded for having their mobile phones or speaking to colleagues while working in the field.
The revelations made by the UN Special Rapporteur and the ongoing investigations conducted by TBIJ highlight the urgent need for the UK government to address the systemic issues within the seasonal worker scheme. While the scheme was implemented to alleviate labor shortages, it has inadvertently exposed vulnerable workers to exploitation and abuse. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to investigate these allegations, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the protection and well-being of all workers involved in the seasonal worker scheme.
