UK construction workers at risk from modern slavery, charity warns

London construction cranes at night. Campaigners say the construction industry is vulnerable to modern slavery and labour exploitation. Photograph: David Wood/Alamy

Hundreds of workers are at risk of modern slavery in the UK construction industry, according to human rights monitors.

Data from the helpline of the antislavery charity Unseen has identified the construction industry as an emerging area of risk. It was second only to the care sector in terms of calls to its helpline in 2024 from people who claimed to be exploited.