
Unseen is launching a new campaign in March 2021 to raise awareness and reporting of labour abuse among clothing workers in the Leicester area.
The campaign, in partnership with Leicester City Council, urges people to get in touch with Unseen’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline if they:
- think they are the victims of labour abuse, or
- they know someone who is being exploited.
Individuals can phone the 24-hour Helpline on 08000 121 700 for advice on what to do. All calls are free, confidential and can be conducted in more than 200 languages. Watch our film about the campaign, below.
Says Justine Currell, Unseen Director: “There has been a lot of criticism recently centring on labour abuse in the clothing and fast fashion sector, particularly in factories in the Leicester area.
“This campaign is showing workers there is support out there for them, and will send a stronger message to offending employers that they need to improve the way they treat their staff.
“If you don’t have a work contract, are working in unsafe conditions, get paid less than the national minimum wage or don’t get paid for all the hours you work, you are being exploited.
“If you are a worker who thinks they are being abused in any way, or have concerns about someone you know, then I urge you to get in touch.”
The campaign includes social media, posters in local shops, leaflets delivered to thousands of households and messages printed on pharmacy bags.
The campaign backers include local businesses and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, which works to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.