In partnership with a peer working group, Berkeley Group has produced a new film to raise awareness about the issue of labour exploitation on construction sites in all its forms. Launched during Anti-Slavery Week and produced by anti-slavery charity Unseen, the film features the story of a site worker subjected to labour abuse who had gone unnoticed by many of his colleagues.
Modern slavery is common in several sectors in the UK, but according to data gathered by Unseen, the construction sector is in the top three. The widespread use of sub-contracted labour, high turnover of workers, and complex supply chains can all serve to inhibit transparency and increase the risk of labour abuse and exploitation.
Combating modern slavery is vital, and the peer group comprised of Berkeley Group, Laing O’Rourke, Skanska, Morgan Sindall Group, Kier, Galliford Try, VCG, Danny Sullivan Group, Randstad, Hays and Carmichael have worked in partnership to highlight the everyday reality of victims. As a front-line charity offering in person and helpline support Unseen has scripted the film to include some of the key things to look for in victims of labour abuse: working excessively long hours, receiving deductions from pay, or having no contract.
As part of a broader strategy, Berkeley Group is committed to safeguarding victims, issuing guidance to supply chain businesses to limit the chances of exploitation. The aim is for this film to be used across the built environment sector as part of both training programmes and site inductions to raise awareness of this issue and thereby increase the chances of exploitative activity being reported.