It's rising in social care sector
Victims of modern slavery in Torbay are at risk of being denied medical care by rogue employers, it has been claimed.
The bay is part of a national network trying to stop people being exploited, but a recent report suggests modern slavery cases are ‘surging’ in the social care industry.
Cllr Swithin Long (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) tabled a question to a full council meeting this week asking what the council is doing about the ‘worrying trend’.
He said: “Modern slavery is reportedly surging in social care since ministers relaxed immigration rules to fill thousands of vacancies, with a growing wave of exploitation leading to workers being ripped off or living in squalor.”
The council’s cabinet member for inequalities Cllr Hayley Tranter (Con, Goodrington with Roselands) said it is working with police, social care and specialist charities as part of the Anti-Slavery Partnership.
She said: “We actively work with all partners to support individuals who are at risk of modern slavery, or who have been identified as victims.
“We have been in recent contact with people who have been victims. We need to reach these people and educate them about what support is available.
“They find themselves in food poverty and financial poverty, and working extremely long hours.
“They are also not getting medical care because their employers are not allowing it.”
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