Forced Labour & Domestic Servitude

"Forced labour is one of the most prevalent forms of modern slavery, trapping individuals in exploitative working conditions with little or no pay. Our role as expert witnesses is to provide clear, evidence-based analysis to ensure victims are identified, protected, and that justice is served."

– Dr. Grace Robinson

What is Forced Labour and Domestic Servitude?

  • Forced labour is a form of modern slavery where individuals are coerced, threatened or deceived into working against their will.
  • It often involves poor working conditions, lack of freedom to leave, withholding of wages, and threats of violence or immigration abuse.
  • Domestic servitude is a form of forced labour where individuals are forced to work in private homes, often isolated and controlled, performing cleaning, childcare, cooking, and other duties with little or no pay.

Who is Affected by Forced Labour and Domestic Servitude?

  • Victims include men, women and children of all backgrounds, though migrants and those with insecure immigration status are particularly vulnerable.
  • In 2024, labour exploitation accounted for 32% (6,153) of NRM cases and was the most common for adults (41%; 5,360).
  • Domestic servitude victims are frequently migrant women or young people, often recruited under false pretences and isolated from the community.

Relationship with Modern Slavery

  • Forced labour is a key form of modern slavery, alongside trafficking, criminal exploitation, and domestic servitude.
  • Domestic servitude is recognised as a form of modern slavery involving coercion, control, and exploitation for private gain.

Examples in the UK

  • Restricted movement, confiscated passports, or no access to identification.
  • Withheld wages, overcrowded employer housing, or substandard conditions.
  • Injuries, exhaustion, or malnutrition; fear of authorities.
  • Domestic servitude indicators: never seen outside alone, no rest, visible anxiety or poor health.

  • Recruitment by deception: false job offers or promises of legitimate work abroad.
  • Control of identity documents: passports and visas are withheld to restrict freedom.
  • Excessive working hours: no rest periods, low or no pay, and unsafe conditions.
  • Isolation: workers kept from communicating freely with others, particularly in domestic settings.
  • Threats and intimidation: fear of dismissal, violence, or deportation maintains control.
  • Debt bondage: workers incur “recruitment fees” or housing costs they can never repay.
  • Restriction of movement: accommodation tied to employment, locked doors, or surveillance.
  • Domestic servitude dynamics: emotional manipulation and dependency, particularly within private households.

  • Adopt a trauma-informed approach and build trust over time.
  • Log and map patterns of control, threats, movements, and financial abuse.
  • Collaborate with police, labour inspectors, social care, health services, and NGOs.
  • Refer victims to the NRM for formal identification and safeguarding.

  • Section 45 provides a statutory defence for victims who commit offences as a result of forced labour or domestic servitude.
  • Applies to work-related offences such as fraud or possession of false documents.
  • Our experts assess whether coercion, deception, or threats were present and whether the criteria for modern slavery are met.

  • We provide impartial analysis of forced labour and domestic servitude indicators.
  • Our reports examine working conditions, control mechanisms, and psychological impact.
  • We assist courts in understanding why victims may not leave or disclose exploitation.

  1. Contact us to discuss your case.

  2. Agree scope and timelines.. 

  3. Provide case files, witness statements, and NRM documentation.

  4. We review materials, assess the client where appropriate, and provide a detailed report.

  5. We attend court if required to present findings.

  • Provide clear instructions and full evidence including police, financial, or employment records.
  • Consider psychological input where trauma or abuse indicators are present.
  • Allow sufficient time for comprehensive review and report preparation.

Founded by Dr Grace Robinson in 2019.

OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF MODERN SLAVERY.

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