Traffickers could profit when UK eases lockdown, anti-slavery chief warns
London, UKThomson Reuters Foundation Britain must be vigilant against human traffickers when it eases the coronavirus lockdown, the country’s anti-slavery chief said, warning of potential exploitation in industries such as hospitality that will be in a rush to recruit new workers. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to present this week a possible way out […]
Companies must use buying power to root out slavery, says UK official
LondonThomson Reuters Foundation Companies that find their products are being made using slave labour should work with suppliers to stop the abuse rather than focusing on protecting their reputations, Britain’s anti-slavery commissioner said on Monday. Sara Thornton said many people used in forced labour were highly vulnerable and could be left with “absolutely nothing” if […]
UK urged to scrap search for new anti-slavery chief over interference fears
Thomson Reuters Foundation Britain should scrap its search for a new anti-slavery chief and address concerns about the independence of the next commissioner before readvertising for the role, lawmakers said on Monday. Kevin Hyland was appointed as the inaugural independent commissioner in 2014 as part of Britain’s landmark Modern Slavery Act, but he resigned in […]
UK anti-slavery drive “thwarted” by failure to replace commissioner – sources
Thomson Reuters Foundation Britain’s efforts to be the global leader in fighting modern slavery have been “thwarted” by a failure to replace its anti-slavery chief who resigned seven months ago citing government interference, two sources told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Kevin Hyland was appointed as the inaugural independent commissioner in 2014 as part of Britain’s […]
Australian Christian Lobby backs anti-slavery commissioner proposal
The Australian Christian Lobby has backed suggestions Australia appoint an “anti-slavery commissioner”. ACL spokesperson Wendy Francis said the concept – aired by anti-slavery expert Professor Jennifer Burn on SBS’s Insight program – was badly needed to stop the trafficking of girls into Australian brothels, noting that human trafficking, of which sex trafficking is an aspect, […]