Unseen Press release, 14 October 2024
In collaboration with UK anti-slavery charity Unseen, 11 construction companies and labour agencies have joined forces to raise awareness of modern slavery on construction sites.
They have worked in partnership with Unseen to create a short film to highlight the everyday reality of victims and demonstrate some of the key signs for construction site teams to look out for.
The companies involved in this initiative – Berkeley Group, Laing O’Rourke, Skanska, Morgan Sindall Group, Kier Group, Galliford Try, VGC Group, Danny Sullivan Group, Randstad, Hays and Carmichael – recognise the collective responsibility of businesses at the forefront of the construction sector to educate the wider supply chain and end modern slavery on UK construction sites.
The short film is being released to coincide with Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October, which serves as an annual opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation.
Forced labour prevalent in construction sector. Modern slavery is common in many sectors in the UK and, according to data from Unseen, the construction sector is in the top three. The widespread use of sub-contracted labour, high turnover of workers, and complex supply chains can all serve to inhibit transparency and increase the risk of labour abuse and exploitation.
Labour exploitation comprised 35% of all modern slavery cases and 58% of potential victims reported to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline in 2023.
The released film focuses on common signs of forced labour, including:
• Working excessively long hours.
• Not having a contract.
• Receiving deductions from pay.
• Lacking adequate qualifications and training.
The aim is for this film to be used across the built environment sector, as part of both training programmes and site inductions to raise awareness of this issue and thereby increase the chances of exploitative activity being reported.
Andrew Wallis OBE, Chief Executive of Unseen, said: “I am heartened to see major construction firms stepping up to provide resources and tools to combat modern slavery.
This not only raises awareness but also empowers smaller companies at the site level where the impact is most profound. Together, we are building a foundation for ethical practices that will ensure the safety and dignity of every worker in the industry.”
For all press enquiries and interviews, contact 07951 678152 or email [email protected]
About Unseen
Unseen is working towards a world without slavery. We provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. We also run the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, and work with communities, business, governments, other charities and statutory agencies such as the police and NHS to stamp out slavery for good: www.unseenuk.org
About Unseen business services
Since 2017, Unseen’s business team has supported hundreds of organisations to tackle modern slavery across their operations and supply chains. Unseen offers a range of unique and bespoke services, delivered by experts, that will make a genuine difference to your business.
Unseen’s Business Hub is a vibrant community of industry leaders united against worker exploitation and modern slavery. We empower businesses of all sizes and sectors with the tools and expertise needed to make a real and lasting difference.
In 2023, the Business Hub has supported nearly 80 businesses on their journeys to becoming ethical leaders.
About the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline
The Helpline is a free and confidential service staffed by trained advisers and can take calls in more than 250 languages. As well as supporting victims themselves, the Helpline provides information to police officers, NHS workers, local government employees, and businesses on what to do if they suspect an instance of modern slavery.
You can contact the Helpline on 08000 121 700, by visiting the Helpline website or by downloading the Unseen app.
Helpline: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
