Essential Recruitment’s Burton office has been taking an active role in raising awareness of modern slavery during Anti-Slavery Week, which ran from 13th to 19th October.
Modern slavery is often hidden in plain sight, and the figures are deeply concerning. An estimated 50 million people around the world are currently living in conditions of slavery, with around 136,000 believed to be in the UK. In 2024 alone, more than 19,000 potential victims were referred to authorities across the country. Labour exploitation remains the most common form of modern slavery in the UK.
As a local labour provider, Essential Recruitment believes it has a duty to educate both clients and candidates on how to identify the warning signs of exploitation. By increasing awareness, the company aims to prevent abuse, protect vulnerable workers, and promote fair and safe working environments.
During the week, the Burton team visited sites operated by clients regulated by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Alongside handing out treats, they distributed information about recognising modern slavery. The GLAA is responsible for protecting workers in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering, and food processing, where risks of exploitation are often higher.
Essential Recruitment’s in-house compliance team also plays a key role in safeguarding workers. As part of their regular audits, they carry out modern slavery checks to ensure candidates have their own bank accounts and that any shared addresses are properly verified. These measures help to maintain a recruitment process that is both safe and transparent.
A spokesperson for Essential Recruitment said:
At Essential Recruitment, we take the protection and wellbeing of our workers seriously. We carry out numerous checks to help spot any signs of potential exploitation. This helps us keep our recruitment process safe and fair for everyone.
We also work and train to raise awareness of modern slavery among our staff, clients and workers, and we review our statement regularly. By understanding the signs and knowing how to report concerns, we can all play a part in preventing exploitation and protecting vulnerable people.
These steps reflect our strong commitment to ethical recruitment, transparency, and compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.”
Essential Recruitment continues to encourage everyone in the community to learn more about the issue and to speak up if they see something that doesn’t seem right.
For more information about the company’s Anti-Slavery Week activities, visit www.essentialrecruitment.co.uk/blog/anti-slavery-week-2025
