The UK’s food and drinks manufacturing industry is a powerhouse, employing over 470,000 people (1) and contributing a staggering £38 billion (2) to the UK economy each year. But behind the scenes, a troubling reality exists.
In the second part of our “The Price We Don’t Pay” series, tracing the hidden issue of modern slavery across the entire UK food chain, we delve into the dark side of food production. We expose the risks of modern slavery in UK food manufacturing and how seemingly minor gaps in due diligence can leave your workers vulnerable.
The unseen workers
While food manufacturing keeps our shelves stocked, the workers themselves are often hidden from view. Isolated in warehouses and packing centres, they can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Modern slavery and worker exploitation have been documented in food processing and production. Common red flags include:
- False job offers: Workers may be lured with promises that don’t materialise.
- Tied accommodation: Workers are forced to live in specific housing chosen by their exploiter, often with high rents and poor conditions.
- Withheld wages: Workers are paid less than agreed upon, or not at all.
Lightening the blind spots in food manufacturing
We analysed modern slavery statements from leading UK food manufacturers and identified three crucial problem areas. These issues contribute to blind spots within the supply chain, potentially allowing exploitation to persist. Let’s explore these gaps and what you can do to address them.
Problem one: Limited worker due diligence in food manufacturing
While a streamlined production process is crucial in food manufacturing, neglecting robust worker due diligence can introduce a significant unseen risk. Relying solely on agency staff, a common practice in this fast-paced industry, necessitates a thorough vetting process for both your organisation and your suppliers.
Here’s why the reputation of suppliers alone isn’t enough to guarantee ethical labour practices:
- No company is exempt: Exploitation can occur anywhere in the supply chain, regardless of a company’s perceived standing. Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security by a big name; dig deeper and conduct thorough checks.
- Seasonal pressures: During peak periods like Christmas, the need to secure quick labour can lead businesses to overlook red flags when working less established agencies. This significantly increases the risk of exploitation, especially in remote or isolated areas where resources are scarce.
Mitigating the risk: How to identify potential issues
Limited due diligence allows exploitation to flourish. To mitigate these risks and ensure ethical labour practices, consider these steps:
- Cross-check worker details: Inconsistencies in addresses, phone numbers, or next of kin information can be a warning sign. Additionally, be wary of situations where multiple workers share the same details.
- Regular recruitment agency assessments: Even agencies with a good reputation require regular evaluation. Remember, relying on any third-party for labour introduces an inherent risk of exploitation.
- Worker rights awareness: Ensure all workers understand their rights under UK law. Providing clear information in their native language fosters clear communication and empowers your workforce.
Problem two: Ignoring UK-based domestic risks
Many companies excel at mapping out global risks and navigating the legalities of international agriculture supply chains. However exploitation can fester right under our noses, even within the UK. The entire domestic food chain, from farms to factories and delivery services, carries a significant risk of modern slavery.
In 2022, our Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline identified 83 potential victims across 15 cases of labour exploitation in the food and drink manufacturing industry. Joe (name changed to protect his identity), a victim of exploitation, was one such case.
Exploitation in UK food manufacturing – Joe’s story
Joe called the Helpline to report his experience at a packing factory in the UK. He found his job through a friend who worked as a supervisor, and to be closer to work, moved into his friend’s spare room. However, the situation quickly deteriorated.
After a few months, his friend moved in two other factory workers and began demanding more and more money for rent and bills, with a portion paid in cash to avoid a paper trail. Joe, trapped in this informal arrangement, struggled financially as the demands escalated.
As the financial pressure mounted, Joe faced additional challenges at the factory. Feeling powerless due to his friend’s close relationship with management, Joe endured emotional abuse, taunts for not working fast enough, and excessive working hours.
Shining a light on domestic risk
Joe’s story, sadly, is not unique. Limited focus on domestic risks creates a blind spot for exploitation. Here’s how to take action:
- Implement robust grievance mechanisms: Ensure that there are effective grievance procedures and whistleblowing routes in place for workers to report any concerns without fear of repercussion.
- Effective social auditing: Beyond desk-based audits, ensure that you are carrying out on the ground site visits, engaging with workers directly.
Problem three: Lack of transparency with identified modern slavery cases
Modern slavery thrives in silence. That’s why having effective communication channels for workers to report concerns (often called “grievance mechanisms”) is crucial. While most companies we reviewed mentioned whistleblower hotlines, transparency was lacking.
Our research showed that few modern slavery statements openly discussed reports received or actions taken to address them. This could potentially mean two things: either workers aren’t using these mechanisms, or they’re not well-communicated or trusted.
Rowan's Story: a case in point
Rowan (name changed to protect his identity), a manager at a food factory, understood the importance of a functioning grievance mechanism. This became clear when he witnessed some unusual behaviour – several workers were stealing small amounts of food from the site.
Concerned, Rowan spoke with them. They expressed anxieties about a potential exploiter they shared accommodation with. This raised further red flags, prompting Rowan to contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline for advice.
Rowan had learned that while the workers’ wages appeared to be deposited correctly each month, it became clear they had no access to the money. Their exploiter controlled their bank accounts, effectively stealing their wages.
The workers were also suspected to be heavily in debt to this same person, who had covered their travel to the UK and rent for the shared house. However, the terms of this debt were unclear, leaving the workers in a vulnerable position with no evident path to financial freedom.
Building a more empowered workforce
Rowan’s story highlights the power of effective grievance mechanisms. Having a clear and accessible reporting system empowers employees like Rowan to identify potential exploitation and get help for those who might need it. True commitment to ethical practices goes beyond simply having a system in place – it requires transparency and action.
Here’s how you can create a system that encourages workers to speak up:
- Modern slavery training: Equip your employees to identify exploitation and provide clear reporting procedures, both internally and through hotlines like the Modern Slavery Helpline.
- Visible support: Posters displayed prominently around your workplace can serve as constant reminders of worker rights and how to access support.
How we can help you
Unseen can help you build a more ethical and transparent supply chain:
- Unseen Business Portal: Membership in this valuable resource equips your organisation to identify potential threats lurking within your UK supply chain. It also provides insights into broader UK modern slavery trends that might impact your business.
- Unseen Business Hub: Access modern slavery training, risk assessments, and more.
- Worker wellbeing site visits: Going beyond reports and audits, these visits offer a chance to see how your processes function in real-world situations. Direct communication with workers allows you to assess their understanding of their rights and access to support systems.
Ready to take action? Contact our business team for a free 20-minute consultation.
Explore the series
Our series, “The Price We Don’t Pay,” delves deep into the hidden issue of modern slavery within the entire UK food chain – from farm to fork. Aimed to empower UK food businesses to tackle risks, each part tackles a specific sector:
- Part 1: The Price We Don’t Pay: Modern Slavery in UK Agriculture explores the broader issue of modern slavery behind the UK Seasonal Worker Visa scheme and how we’re working towards a fairer farming system.
- Part 3: The Price We Don’t Pay: Modern Slavery in Delivery and Food Distribution explores the exploitation risk behind our food deliveries, and what you can do to tackle it.
(1) Food and Drink Federation: https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/business-insights-and-economics/#:~:text=Food%20and%20drink%20is%20the,farm%20to%20fork’%20food%20chain
(2) Food and Drink Federation: https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/business-insights-and-economics/#:~:text=Food%20and%20drink%20is%20the,farm%20to%20fork’%20food%20chain
