Modern slavery is a growing problem in the UK and industrialised countries, despite laws to try to stem it. This book critically assesses the legislation and offers strategies for improvement in policy and practice, arguing that the Modern Slavery Act is inconsistent, inadequate, and punitive and that the UK government's labour market and immigration policies are creating the conditions for slavery to be promoted.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2019
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Modern slavery, in the form of labour exploitation, domestic servitude, sexual trafficking, child labour, and cannabis farming, continues to thrive in the UK and other industrialized countries, despite the implementation of laws aimed at combating it. This comprehensive book, authored by a group of prominent activists and expert writers, is the first to critically evaluate the existing legislation, drawing on evidence from various fields, and to propose strategies for improvement in policy and practice. The book contends that, contrary to its self-proclaimed status as a "world-leading" piece of legislation, the Modern Slavery Act is inconsistent, inadequate, and punitive. It further argues that the UK government, through its labor market and immigration policies, is inadvertently creating the conditions that facilitate the promotion of slavery.

Modern Slavery: A Growing Concern in the UK and Industrialized Countries

Modern slavery, in the form of labour exploitation, domestic servitude, sexual trafficking, child labour, and cannabis farming, is a pressing issue that continues to affect the UK and other industrialized countries. Despite the introduction of laws to combat it, the problem persists and has even grown in some areas. This book, written by a team of high-profile activists and expert writers, is the first to critically assess the legislation and offer strategies for improvement in policy and practice. The book argues that the Modern Slavery Act, while well-intentioned, is inconsistent, inadequate, and punitive. It also contends that the UK government, through its labor market and immigration policies, is inadvertently creating the conditions that facilitate the promotion of slavery.

The Modern Slavery Act: An Inconsistent and Inadequate Response

The Modern Slavery Act, introduced in 2015, was hailed as a significant step forward in the fight against modern slavery. However, the book argues that the Act is inconsistent and inadequate in several key areas. One of the main criticisms is that the Act does not provide a clear definition of modern slavery, which makes it difficult to enforce. Additionally, the Act's focus on criminalizing individuals rather than addressing the root causes of slavery has been criticized as ineffective. The book also points out that the Act's provisions for victim support are inadequate, and that the government's efforts to combat slavery have been hampered by a lack of resources and coordination.

Strategies for Improvement in Policy and Practice

The book proposes several strategies for improvement in policy and practice to address modern slavery. One of the key recommendations is to increase the resources and coordination of the government's efforts to combat slavery. This includes increasing funding for law enforcement agencies, providing training and support to frontline workers, and establishing a national referral mechanism for victims of slavery. The book also suggests that the government should focus on addressing the root causes of slavery, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. This can be done by implementing policies that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and human rights.

The UK Government's Role in Creating the Conditions for Slavery

The book argues that the UK government, through its labor market and immigration policies, is inadvertently creating the conditions that facilitate the promotion of slavery. One of the main criticisms is that the government's policies on immigration and labor market regulation are contributing to the exploitation of migrant workers. The book points out that the government's policies on immigration, such as the Tier 2 visa system, have made it difficult for migrant workers to access legal employment, and that the government's policies on labor market regulation, such as the minimum wage, have failed to provide a living wage for many workers.

Conclusion

Modern slavery is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. The Modern Slavery Act, while well-intentioned, is inconsistent, inadequate, and punitive. The UK government, through its labor market and immigration policies, is inadvertently creating the conditions that facilitate the promotion of slavery. To address this issue, the book proposes several strategies for improvement in policy and practice, including increasing the resources and coordination of the government's efforts to combat slavery, focusing on addressing the root causes of slavery, and addressing the exploitation of migrant workers. By implementing these strategies, we can work towards a world where modern slavery is a thing of the past.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447346807