UK employers embroiled in shocking rise of slavery

Reported cases of slavery in the UK have jumped 35% year-on-year, according to a devastating new report which details how UK employers are implicated in the abuse of labour.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) found that recruitment and employment agencies were hiring workers who were having their wages docked and were having to pay 'protection money' – unofficial payments for the continuation of employment.

Furthermore, employment practises in certain sectors were found to be lacking, with many workers facing verbal and physical abuse, long hours, unpaid work and dangerous conditions.

The industries most prone to the abuse of labour were construction, recycling, nail bars and car washes.