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Modern slavery and unfair deductions still found in construction sites – Achilles UK

The report revealed that 111 workers reported unexplained deductions from their wages, in addition to expected taxes.

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Modern slavery and unfair deductions still found in construction sites – Achilles UK
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Achilles released its latest UK ethical business report which found ongoing issues with modern slavery and poor employment practices on construction sites across the UK and Ireland.

The research drew on interviews with 9,834 workers from 102 nationalities, with three workers reporting restrictions on using their own mobile phone. 

21 workers reported that they were required to pay a recruitment fee before starting work. 

Meanwhile, 10 workers reported they had not been paid directly into their own bank account. 

The report also revealed that 111 workers reported unexplained deductions from their wages, in addition to expected taxes.

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It also showed that of the 21 individuals required to pay a fee or deposit before starting work, most were Indian nationals in Tower Hamlets. 

Additionally, the report found these workers could be at higher risk of debt bondage due to their immigration status and the fees.

The report noted that, despite legal frameworks such as the UK Modern Slavery Act, gaps in enforcement and protection still put workers at risk.

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32% of individuals surveyed said their employment arrangements had been provided verbally, via text, or not formally received. 

Self-employed Moldovan and Eritrean nationals in the City of London, working in drylining and fitout, were most likely to report receiving employment information informally.

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Most workers were paid above the minimum wage, sometimes at National Living or London Living Wage, but administration fees, typically around £20, meant some earned below minimum wage after deductions.

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Administration or payroll fees were reported across the construction industry, with an average deduction of £22 per week. 

Plant operatives, including signalling staff in Tower Hamlets, most frequently reported being required to pay these fees, and some only became aware of deductions after receiving their first pay, according to Achilles’ findings.

Dr. Paul Stanley, chief executive officer at Achilles, said: “The findings in our latest report offer a practical view of where challenges remain and where progress is being made. 

“The Achilles ethical business programme is designed to give voice to those on the front lines and help organisations detect risks that traditional audits can miss. 

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“Our goal is to support construction companies with the insight and tools they need to identify risk, protect workers, and strengthen ethical practices across their supply chains.”

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