Modern slavery in care homes: it’s on the rise

When new workers join, providers should make sure they have got their own mobile phone, give details to contact their next of kin with their address, and have not got people turning up with the same details.

In a new report on modern slavery, antislavery charity Unseen reports a increase in calls to its Modern Slavery Helpline from 63 in 2021 to 708 in 2022, due to a combination of the Covid pandemic and Brexit, the charity said. 

The CQC has also reported double the rise in referrals for modern slavery abuses across the health and care sectors in 2022 than the previous year.

Red flags of exploitation can include concerns that the employee is at work outside of their allotted hours, excessive tiredness or stress, never bringing or buying food items when at work, and regular transport to and from work.  

If a provider does suspect a worker could be a victim of modern slavery, employers can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 in confidence.  

Antislavery charity Unseen is now in preliminary discussions with CQC about jointly raising awareness of modern slavery and improving regulatory powers.  

NHS fallout
Unseen director Justine Carter explained that the tightening of regulations to work in the NHS had led people in other countries to look at the care sector as a way of coming into the UK to carry out similar work. The charity's concerns have been highlighted in a recent report. 

To find out more, read the exclusive Care Home Management online feature, available at https://chmonline.co.uk/portfolio/modern-slavery/

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Published by: S&A Publishing Ltd: www.sandapublishing.co.uk