The UK construction sector is widely considered to be at high risk for modern slavery and worker exploitation. With a workforce of 2.67 million in 2023 and an expected need for 250,000 additional workers by 2028, the industry relies on complex supply chains, subcontracting, and temporary labour, which creates vulnerabilities for workers and increases the risks of exploitation.
Labour recruitment practices play a significant role in enabling exploitation within the construction industry. Many workers are hired through intermediaries and placed on precarious contracts or falsely designated as self-employed, making accountability difficult. The extensive use of subcontracting chains further complicates oversight, allowing for the exploitation of workers at various levels.
Migrant workers, particularly those with uncertain immigration status, face additional risks, as their legal and social vulnerabilities can be manipulated by employers. Poor living and working conditions exacerbate these issues, with some workers forced to live on-site under exploitative arrangements, subjected to unfair wage deductions and coercion. Weak enforcement of labour laws allows these poor practices to persist, creating an environment where exploitation can flourish unchecked.
The UK government’s recent commitment to building 1.5 million new homes in five years has further intensified labour demands, highlighting an urgent need for policy interventions and improved enforcement mechanisms.
To address these concerns, a research project led by the King’s College London is analysing the exploitation risks in modern slavery in UK construction, particularly in the housebuilding sub-sector. The study aims to analyse existing evidence, provide insight into the risks and vulnerabilities within the sector, and inform future policy and enforcement strategies. By identifying gaps in knowledge, the research is assessing the key drivers of exploitation, examining the role of employment status, recruitment practices, and labour supply chains in creating risks for workers.
The study is considering regional variations, investigating how modern slavery risks differ across different parts of the UK. This research will contribute to efforts to develop stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms, ultimately supporting the government’s plan to create a ‘Fair Work Agency’, which is planned to be created by the Employment Rights Bill currently going through the Parliament, and improving labour conditions in construction.
The study is primarily desk-based, utilising a systematic review of academic literature, government reports and NGO findings to compile existing knowledge on modern slavery in construction. Stakeholder interviews are being conducted with labour market enforcement bodies, industry representatives and lived experience experts to provide further insights into the industry’s challenges. Additionally, the project prioritises ethical and meaningful engagement with affected workers to ensure their experiences and perspectives are included in the research.
Project team: Gabriela Gutierrez Huerter O, Furqan Suhail and Yazan Alzoubi (Kings College London),
The project is co-commissioned by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre and the office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement (DLME).
