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Police are asking colleagues to be aware of an increase in modern slavery cases in the care sector.
The sector is now deemed to be at high risk of modern slavery and other labour abuses with unscrupulous individuals exploiting a high level of demand for staff.
Understaffing in the care sector means it is increasingly targeted for labour exploitation, abuse, fraud and illegal working.
Victims are primarily trafficked from overseas, deceived into jobs and sold a lie that they will have a better life in the UK when in fact they were recruited for the purpose of exploitation.
Those who have been brought to the UK under a Health and Social Care Visa are threatened with a removal of the sponsorship and deportation if they do not carry out the demanding work, or pay back exorbitant and fictional fees.
Victims are regularly forced to work excessive hours, often up to six days a week for up to 20 hours a day with no breaks, and impossible demands made under the threat of deportation.
It’s vital that professionals who may come into contact with care workers, or those receiving care, are aware of the signs of slavery and report any concerns.
Signs can include workers:
- Completing excessively long hours or given inadequate breaks
- Appearing fatigued, fearful or under coercion
- Receiving low wages or being charged large fees for recruitment, accommodation or transport
- Living in overcrowded or substandard accommodation provided by their employer
- Having documentation withheld
For more information on modern slavery or to make a report visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.
Due to funding reductions, the Health IDVA Team will only be taking referrals for patients living in Cambridgeshire (NOT Peterborough) from 1st April 2024. Details of other referral routes for IDVAs can be found at Cambridgeshire County Council DASV Partnership - Make a Referral (cambsdasv.org.uk)
If you wish to refer without a DASH Risk Assessment, you will need to use the Domestic Abuse Support Service (DASS), who can accept referrals without a DASH and at any level of risk. As with the Health IDVA Referrals, any referral requires consent. DASS can be contacted on 0300 373 1073 or email DASSReferrals@impakt.org.uk
The Ofsted Big Listen seeks views across our work, from schools and children’s social care to teacher training and early years.
If your work, your children, your decisions, your education, or your care are affected by what we do, then we want to hear from you.
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 31 May 2024
Please do participate and share with your relevant partners and networks, using the following link: Ofsted Big Listen - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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