This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-13687648
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Report says modern day slavery exists in NI | Report says modern day slavery exists in NI |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A report published on Wednesday shows that migrants in NI are being forced to work in appalling conditions. | A report published on Wednesday shows that migrants in NI are being forced to work in appalling conditions. |
The study found evidence of poor working conditions, low pay, restricted freedom of movement, and verbal and physical abuse. | The study found evidence of poor working conditions, low pay, restricted freedom of movement, and verbal and physical abuse. |
The areas studied included the fishing, mushroom and catering industries. | The areas studied included the fishing, mushroom and catering industries. |
It found a small number of migrants were working in modern-day slavery conditions. | It found a small number of migrants were working in modern-day slavery conditions. |
The research was carried out by a team at the Institute for Conflict Research for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. | |
Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
Researchers found that exploited migrants were being taken advantage of by both Northern Irish employers and members of their own community. | Researchers found that exploited migrants were being taken advantage of by both Northern Irish employers and members of their own community. |
They found that exploitation was not specifically linked to nationality, age or gender, but associated with the vulnerability of the worker, a lack of English language skills, limited access to social networks, and a lack of local knowledge. | They found that exploitation was not specifically linked to nationality, age or gender, but associated with the vulnerability of the worker, a lack of English language skills, limited access to social networks, and a lack of local knowledge. |
In some cases the workers' immigration status limited their options for escaping an exploitative working environment: some were forced into working without valid visas, while others simply swapped one exploitative employer for another. | In some cases the workers' immigration status limited their options for escaping an exploitative working environment: some were forced into working without valid visas, while others simply swapped one exploitative employer for another. |
Neil Jarman, lead researcher from the Institute for Conflict Research, said: "We found that people would put up with working in very poor conditions and extreme levels of exploitation because it was better than the options available at home. | |
"Although only a small number of migrant workers are affected, it is vital that vulnerable workers are protected from exploitation by employers." | "Although only a small number of migrant workers are affected, it is vital that vulnerable workers are protected from exploitation by employers." |
Support | Support |
The report recommends raising awareness and understanding of the issue of forced labour among trade unions, employers' bodies and within key government departments in Northern Ireland, in order to develop a strategy to address the problem. | The report recommends raising awareness and understanding of the issue of forced labour among trade unions, employers' bodies and within key government departments in Northern Ireland, in order to develop a strategy to address the problem. |
It also said that community-based support networks are important for exploited migrants and the availability of advice and information can also help reduce the levels of exploitation. | It also said that community-based support networks are important for exploited migrants and the availability of advice and information can also help reduce the levels of exploitation. |
The research, which was carried out between June 2009 and December 2010, is the first study to investigate the scale and extent of forced labour in Northern Ireland. | The research, which was carried out between June 2009 and December 2010, is the first study to investigate the scale and extent of forced labour in Northern Ireland. |
It highlights a relatively small number of case studies, and identifies problems of forced labour and the exploitation of migrants in a variety of employment sectors, geographical locations and minority ethnic communities. | It highlights a relatively small number of case studies, and identifies problems of forced labour and the exploitation of migrants in a variety of employment sectors, geographical locations and minority ethnic communities. |
It is part of a wider research and policy programme on forced labour in the UK. | It is part of a wider research and policy programme on forced labour in the UK. |
Previous version
1
Next version