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, Director

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.
  • Conditions often include excessive working hours, no rest days, confiscated passports or belongings, restricted communication and constant monitoring by the household.

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 form of slavery for adults (41%; 5,360).
  • Domestic servitude victims are frequently migrant women or children, often recruited and/or trafficked under false pretences and isolated from the community.

 

Examples in the UK

  • The way in which forced labour and domestic servitude present in victims can vary greatly. However, some indicators may include restricted movement, confiscated ID documents and visible signs of exhaustion, injury or malnutrition.
  • Where victims include foreign nationals, it is common to see withheld wages, control over immigration documents, overcrowded employer-provided housing or substandard living conditions, as well as a reluctance to engage with authorities due to fear of deportation or reprisals.
  • In cases involving British nationals, it is common for victims to be found in unhygienic accommodation, working excessively long hours without breaks or rest and experiencing physical or emotional deterioration linked to exploitative working environments.
  • In situations of domestic servitude, victims may never be seen outside alone, appear fearful or anxious and show signs of poor health due to overwork, isolation and ongoing control within the private household.

  • 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 as soon as possible 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.
  • The defence applies to work-related offences such as fraud or possession of false documents.
  • Our experts assess whether trafficking, coercion, deception or threats were present and whether the legal criteria for modern slavery are met.

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