Labour exploitation cases rise by 65%

Every year, the modern slavery charity, Unseen, publishes its annual assessment of the types of calls and contacts received by the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline. 

At a glance

• Unseen revealed a sharp rise in the number of modern slavery cases, with nearly 3,000 recorded in 2025, a 41% increase on 2024. 
• The number of potential victims also rose significantly, with more than 6,600 individuals reported – up 37% year on year.
• The figures point to a broad escalation across all forms of exploitation – however labour exploitation cases rose by 65%, reaching their highest level to date.

Analysis

There appears to be a growing connection between labour exploitation and the UK’s skilled worker visa route. While the system enables employers to recruit internationally, concerns are mounting that its structure may leave some migrant workers exposed to abuse. Some employers have used the vulnerability of migrant workers to control wages, restrict movement, and impose poor working conditions. There is also evidence of illegal recruitment fees being charged, leading to debt bondage.

Justine Carter, Deputy CEO at Unseen, explains: “These figures are a warning sign that exploitation in the UK is accelerating and becoming more entrenched. The rising exploitation of migrants on skilled worker visas highlights serious gaps in worker protections, enforcement and oversight. This is not isolated – it points to systemic failure. 

“While the UK has rightly criticised exploitative labour systems overseas, we must also be willing to look closely at our own. The evidence from our Helpline shows that elements of the skilled worker visa system – particularly the requirement for workers to remain tied to a single employer – can create conditions where exploitation can flourish. We urgently need stronger safeguards for migrant workers, tighter oversight of recruitment, and decisive action against employers abusing the visa system.”