Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1931)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 2016)

The Committee notes the Government’s report as well as the observations received from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on 1 September and 19 September 2016.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Situation of overseas domestic workers. The Committee previously referred to the concerns expressed by the TUC in relation to changes introduced to the Overseas Domestic Work visa system in 2012, which by removing the right to change employers and the right to renew the visa, had reduced the protection of migrant domestic workers against forced labour. The Government indicates that the Immigration Rules were amended in April 2016 to allow those admitted as overseas domestic workers to be able to take alternative employment with another employer during the six month period for which they are admitted. Furthermore, those found to be victims of slavery or human trafficking can extend their stay for two years and, if referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in the six-month period for which they are admitted, they will be able to continue working while their case is considered. Moreover, overseas domestic workers will be required to attend information, advice and support meetings. The TUC considers, however, that in the absence of the ability for overseas domestic workers to renew their visa beyond the six-month period, the newly reinstated right to change employer is meaningless. It will be extremely difficult for an abused worker to find a new employer when they can only stay in the United Kingdom for a few more months. The Committee refers to its observation on the measures taken to combat modern slavery and, taking into account the specific situation of overseas domestic workers, encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure that those workers who are victims of forced labour are identified and effectively assisted in order to benefit from the protection granted under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Please indicate the number of overseas domestic workers who have been referred to the NRM and have benefited from an extension of their stay in the country.