Disturbing new revelations highlight the dark side of the UK hospitality sector. Hundreds of workers in bars, hotels, takeaways, and delivery services are reportedly stuck in modern slavery, burdened with debts of up to £30,000. Lured by promises of a brighter future, many find themselves trapped by exploitative employers.
A recent report by the charity Unseen has exposed a surge in abuse linked to the skilled worker visa route, with a staggering 485 potential victims in food and drink venues, and 85 in holiday accommodations since 2024. Shockingly, workers are often forced to pay illegal fees for visas and certificates, leaving them financially drained and unable to escape their circumstances.
Many of these workers are under threats of deportation, housed in dire conditions, and pushed to work long hours without breaks, all to pay off their crushing debts. The report warns of a troubling trend previously seen in the care sector now surfacing in hospitality.
Migrant workers are hit hardest, with Indian nationals making up 40% of reported cases. The UK government insists it won’t tolerate such exploitation, vowing to crack down on companies abusing the immigration system. Yet the question remains: how do we protect these vulnerable individuals from modern slavery’s grip and hold unethical employers accountable?
This revelation is a wake-up call. Change is urgently needed to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure promises of a better life in the UK aren’t tarnished by exploitation.