Monday, 09 October 2023
Recent research from the 糖心原创 shows that migrants employed as domestic workers in the UK may be at risk of labour exploitation due to questionable employment practices.
The study into domestic workers, from the 糖心原创 Rights Lab, highlighted the nature of the working conditions experienced by migrant workers which included verbal abuse, excessive working hours and payment rates below the minimum wage.
Survey respondents also explained that they did not know where to go to get help, and that many had received threats from their employers, with a quarter of respondents stating that they received a lasting injury as a result of physical violence.
Dr Caroline Emberson, who led the study, said: “To our knowledge, this is the first post-Brexit study to shed light on the nature of labour exploitation among migrant domestic workers coming to the UK. Our survey findings present a worrying picture of abuse ranging from widespread reports of verbal intimidation to practices that indicate more serious forms of exploitation including modern slavery.”
This research is set to help create a more detailed understanding of the extent of the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly in a post-Brexit world where migrant workers arrive in the UK from a wide variety of source countries.
A survey of 97 domestic workers, two thirds of whom were Filipina nationals, highlighted a number of concerns within the industry.
Key findings included:
- 82 per cent reported that they had suffered verbal abuse from their employer
- 55 per cent reported that they ‘always’ or ‘sometimes’ felt that they would like to leave their current job
- 44 per cent did not know where to find help in relation to their employment rights
- 44 per cent ‘often’ suffered from privacy issues during their work
- 42 per cent reported threatening behaviour from their employer – over a third reported physical violence
- 41 per cent reported that their employer had at times withheld their income
Dr Emberson and doctoral researcher Selim Yilmaz highlighted the need for greater regulation of employers, the ratification of the International Domestic Workers Convention (c189) and to help vulnerable workers to identify and report abuse.
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More information available from Dr Caroline Emberson on Caroline.Emberson@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.