In July 2019, the largest-ever modern slavery ring uncovered in the UK has been broken up following a three-year investigation into its activities. Investigators found some of its 400 victims worked for as little as 50p a day, working on farms, rubbish recycling centres and poultry factories. Gang members were convicted of modern slavery offences and money laundering on 5 July 2019.

According to an investigation by the Sunday Times [restricted access], UK supermarkets including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda were supplied by farms where men and women controlled by the gang worked. 

The supermarket chains and companies involved said they did not know the workers were being exploited, and several said they only became aware of the mistreatment after being contacted by journalists. The British Retail Consortium issued a statement on behalf of all retailers affected by the slavery investigation which is available in the media articles below, along with statements by the companies.

In a statement published on 29 July 2019, Britain’s anti-slavery commissioner said companies must use buying power to root out slavery. The statement is also available below.