Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Home Office employs multi-agency approach to address systemic migrant worker exploitation.
Conclusion
We asked the Home Office what steps it was taking to reduce the risks of exploitation of migrant workers.53 The Home Office said exploitation was a systemic problem that cannot be tackled through enforcement of immigration rules alone, although it accepted that it had a role to play. The Home Office is responsible for ensuring people comply with visa rules and safeguarding migrants, but works with other bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), which focuses on exploitation and labour market abuses, sector regulators and other departments such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).54 The Home Office said that it routinely shares information and works with these bodies, as 49 C&AG’s Report, footnote 32 50 Q 61; C&AG’s Report, para 3.23 51 Q 1; C&AG’s Report, para 15 52 IMM0003; IMM0004; IMM0005; IMM0006; IMM0007; IMM0009 53 Q 61 54 C&AG’s Report, para 3.24 17 well as the Border Force and police. It also works with agencies under the forum of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, which includes the GLAA and HMRC.55
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and aims for implementation by April 2027, detailing its collaboration with enforcement bodies, the establishment of a working group for the construction sector, the planned launch of the Fair Work Agency by April 2027, and steps taken to protect care workers.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2027 4.2 The Home Office collaborates with bodies such as the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, HMRC, DHSC, the Care Quality Commission, and Law Enforcement. The Home Office has established a working group to address abuse and exploitation in the construction sector, aiming to ensure individuals work for reputable sponsors. This initiative will continue as the government launches the Fair Work Agency, with an update to the Committee planned for April 2027, one year after its creation. Exploitation will also form part of the evidence the MAC will look at before making recommendations to the government. 4.3 The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has taken steps to protect care workers affected by sponsor licence revocations. Using discretionary powers, UKVI chose not to cancel their leave, instead directing them to regional partnerships for alternative employment. This approach, though not standard, was adopted due to the high level of non-compliance in adult social care compared to other sectors. 4.4 The Home Office continues to work with DHSC to support international recruitment regional partnerships, helping workers impacted by sponsor non-compliance transition into new roles in Adult Social Care. DHSC commissioned the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce to evaluate the 2023–24 international recruitment regional fund, with findings published in January 2025. A further evaluation of the 2024–25 fund has been commissioned and is expected in 2026.