15 Sep 2026
Modern slavery cases in UK retail double in a year, new Unseen report reveals
Summary
Date Reported: 15 Sep 2026
Location: United Kingdom
Other
Not Reported ( Retail ) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Retail , Men , Undocumented migrants )Issues
Contract Substitution , Failing to renew visas , Intimidation , Restricted mobility , Poverty WagesResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 15 Sep 2026
Location: United Kingdom
Other
Not Reported ( Retail ) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Retail , Women , Documented migrants )Issues
Intimidation , Wage Theft , Poverty Wages , Failing to renew visas , Access to Non-Judicial Remedy , Freedom of ExpressionResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 15 Sep 2026
Location: United Kingdom
Other
Not Reported ( Retail ) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Retail , Men , Documented migrants )Issues
Contract Substitution , Reasonable Working Hours & Leisure Time , Wage Theft , Minimum Wage , Intimidation , Violence , Access to Non-Judicial Remedy , Freedom of ExpressionResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: NGO
A new report by the UK charity Unseen has highlighted a significant increase in cases of exploitation impacting migrant workers within the UK retail sector between 2024 and 2025.
The number of cases reported to Unseen's Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline rose from 33 to 65, while potential victims identified more than doubled from 100 to 201.
The report calls for urgent reform of the skilled worker visa and stronger protections for workers, including preventative checks on employers before they receive a sponsor license and throughout the period they employ the workers.