Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Accepted
Migrant workers risk modern slavery due to inadequate data and enforcement hindering support.
Conclusion
UNISON, Central England Law Centre, the Cavendish Coalition and FLEX provided written evidence which raised concerns about the risks of migrant workers becoming victims of modern slavery.73 The Home Office told us that it has modern slavery provisions in place to support affected people, and provides displaced workers with details of helplines.74 However, the National Audit Office report found the Home Office was not able to provide data on the number of referrals relating to people with a Skilled Worker visa. UNISON stated that immigration enforcement and lack of firewalls 64 C&AG’s Report, para 15 65 Q 51 66 IMM003; IMM0024 67 Qq 43, 60 68 Qq 10, 51 69 Q 60 70 Q 59 71 IMM0014 72 Home Office, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, May 2025, para 81 73 IMM0005, IMM0007, IMM0009, IMM0024 74 Qq 59-61 19 between departments has damaged the government’s work to tackle modern slavery, leaving victims facing deportation rather than receiving appropriate support.75 Tackling non-compliance with visa rules
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to address risks of modern slavery by collaborating with various enforcement bodies, establishing a working group for the construction sector, and launching the Fair Work Agency by April 2027, to ensure individuals work for reputable sponsors.
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.