Experts raise alarm over ‘national scandal’ that has hallmarks of trafficking and modern slavery

  • ‘He didn’t have a contract for me’: the Indian care workers who paid agents to work in Britain
  • What are the problems with the UK visa system for care work?

Foreign Workers Stranded in Debt

British social care agencies have been accused of exploiting foreign workers, leaving many struggling to pay off debts incurred while securing jobs that never materialized. Dozens of workers told the Guardian they paid thousands to agents for UK care jobs, only to find limited or no employment upon arrival.

Many are now stuck in irregular, underpaid jobs, struggling to repay debts back home. Akhil Jenny and Geo Ambooken, two such workers, highlighted the issue. Jenny said, “He didn’t have a contract for me,” referring to his agent.

Stories of Struggle and Deception

Workers from India and sub-Saharan Africa shared similar stories. They paid agents large fees, expecting full-time work and decent pay. Upon arrival, they had to cover their own flights and accommodation, with many finding no work or significantly fewer hours than promised.

One worker, Shahid Chera Pparambil, shared his despair, “If I go back to India, I don’t have anywhere to live. I don’t have any option other than committing suicide.” He added that his debts are causing severe problems for his family in India.

Workers at some companies were pressured to take on casual jobs or work as drivers and cleaners. Some had to use food banks and share rooms to survive. Complaints about conditions often led to threats of deportation or harm to their families by immigration agents.

The Home Office stated, “We prevent overseas care workers from entering the United Kingdom without genuine roles or fair pay to safeguard against destitution.” They claimed to enforce strict measures against exploitative care providers and have suspended or cancelled licenses for six of the identified employers.

Despite these measures, many affected workers remain in the UK, often working irregular, low-paying jobs. Neal criticized the system of issuing certificates of sponsorship, saying it’s inappropriate for the care industry and prone to exploitation. “Anyone in this area knew this was the wrong way to get more people into the social care sector,” he said.

Political and Regulatory Responses

Labour and the Conservatives face pressure to address this issue in the upcoming election. While the Tories banned foreign care workers from bringing dependents, Labour plans to maintain this policy. However, experts argue this doesn’t tackle the deeper exploitation problem.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has demanded a government inquiry. Prof Nicola Ranger of the RCN called the situation a “national scandal,” emphasizing the need for urgent action to address exploitation in the social care sector.

Former borders inspector David Neal compared the situation to the Windrush scandal, noting that the state invites workers but then abandons them. He discovered many certificates of sponsorship granted to fraudulent companies, highlighting insufficient oversight by the Home Office.

Johanna White from the Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit said, “I can see what look like indicators of trafficking and modern slavery.” She pointed out deceptive recruitment practices that leave workers vulnerable to forced labour.

©2024 The Guardian