We are aware of current scams impersonating recruitment agencies including ourselves targeting jobseekers over whatsapp and asking them to supply personal details.
Please be aware that The Recruitment Group will never ask you for your personal information via Whatsapp and anyone claiming to be from The Recruitment Group doing so is part of a scam. We also never advertise jobs through Whatsapp.
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Modern Slavery and Recruitment: What Employers and Candidates Need to Know
Modern slavery can happen in any industry and may not always be easy to spot. Find out how responsible recruitment can help prevent labour exploitation and protect workers.
Modern slavery is a serious issue that can affect people across industries, workplaces and communities. While it can be difficult to identify, understanding the signs of modern slavery and labour exploitation is an important part of creating safer and fairer workplaces.
For recruitment businesses and employers, responsible recruitment plays an important role in protecting workers and reducing the risk of exploitation.
At The Recruitment Group, we believe in placing people at the heart of the recruitment journey. As part of our commitment to responsible recruitment, we are proud to be members of Stronger Together and the Fair Worker Agency.
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is an umbrella term used to describe situations where people are exploited and unable to leave because of threats, coercion, deception or abuse of power.
It can include forced labour, human trafficking and forced marriage, among other forms of exploitation.
Modern slavery is not always easy to recognise. It can happen within legitimate businesses and employment arrangements, which is why awareness is important for employers, recruitment professionals and workers.
How common is modern slavery?
The latest global estimates from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Walk Free and the International Organisation for Migration estimated that 49.6 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021.
Of these:
- 27.6 million people were in forced labour
- 22 million people were living in forced marriage
These remain the latest global estimates available, so they should not be presented as 2026 prevalence figures.
Modern slavery in the UK
More recent UK statistics show that modern slavery continues to be an important issue.
In the year ending June 2026, 25,373 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the UK's National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This was the highest number of referrals recorded since the NRM began.
Of these referrals, 38% involved labour exploitation.
It is important to note that NRM figures represent potential victims who have been referred, rather than the total number of people experiencing modern slavery in the UK.
What does modern slavery have to do with recruitment?
Recruitment businesses are in a unique position because we connect people with employment opportunities.
That means responsible recruitment isn't simply about filling vacancies. It also means considering whether workers understand their employment, know their rights and have a safe way to raise concerns.
Employers and recruitment agencies can help reduce the risk of exploitation by making sure:
- Job descriptions accurately reflect the role
- Pay and working conditions are clearly explained
- Workers understand their employment terms
- Recruitment processes are transparent
- Candidates know who they are working for
- Workers have a clear way to raise concerns
- Recruitment practices and supply chains are regularly reviewed
Could you spot the signs of labour exploitation?
Modern slavery doesn't always look the way people expect it to.
Some potential warning signs may include a person:
- Appearing frightened, intimidated or controlled
- Being accompanied or closely monitored by another person
- Having their passport or other identity documents controlled by someone else
- Having wages withheld or being paid less than expected
- Being charged excessive fees for recruitment, transport or accommodation
- Being unable to leave their accommodation freely
- Appearing reluctant to talk about their employment or working conditions
- Being threatened with dismissal or other consequences if they raise concerns
One sign alone does not necessarily mean someone is experiencing modern slavery. However, several warning signs together may indicate that further support or investigation is needed.
If something doesn't look right, don't ignore it. Speak up.
How can employers help prevent modern slavery?
Employers have an important role to play in creating workplaces where people are treated fairly and safely.
1. Be transparent about jobs
Candidates should know what role they are applying for, where they will work, their expected hours and how much they will be paid.
2. Check your recruitment processes
Businesses should understand how workers are being recruited and consider potential risks throughout their recruitment and supply chains.
3. Make it easy for workers to raise concerns
Workers should know who they can speak to if something doesn't feel right and should feel able to raise concerns without fear.
4. Work with responsible recruitment partners
Choosing recruitment partners carefully can help businesses maintain appropriate employment standards and identify potential risks.
5. Keep your teams informed
Regular training and awareness can help managers, recruiters and other employees recognise potential signs of exploitation and understand what to do if they have concerns.
Our commitment to responsible recruitment
At The Recruitment Group, we believe recruitment should be about more than matching a CV to a vacancy.
It's about people.
We're proud to be part of Stronger Together and the Fair Worker Agency, supporting our commitment to responsible recruitment and helping to raise awareness of modern slavery and labour exploitation.
Through continued awareness, education and responsible recruitment practices, we can help create employment environments where people are treated fairly, understand their rights and feel safe speaking up.
Recruitment that puts people first
Modern slavery is a complex issue, but everyone has a role to play in preventing exploitation.
Whether you're an employer, recruitment professional or candidate, understanding the potential signs of modern slavery is an important first step.
At The Recruitment Group, we're committed to placing people at the heart of the recruitment journey and supporting responsible employment practices.
If something doesn't look right, speak up.