Modern slavery cases surge in UK retail, charity warns of visible exploitation
A new Unseen report says modern slavery incidents in the UK retail sector have nearly doubled, with many migrant workers exploited in supermarkets and convenience stores.
A recent analysis by anti-slavery charity Unseen warns that modern slavery is increasingly visible in the UK retail sector, with reported cases almost doubling between 2024 and 2025. The charity’s helpline recorded 201 possible victims in 2025, up from 100 the previous year and far above the single report in 2021. Most identified victims are migrants—Sri Lankan nationals are most common—who work in entry-level roles despite skilled-worker visas being reserved for managers.
They describe withheld wages, employer-linked housing and threats of visa revocation. Retail ranks fifth among industries for modern-slavery reports, with supermarkets and convenience stores accounting for the majority of cases. New rules effective 8 October will release visa restrictions for those formally recognised as victims, yet Unseen says the measures do not prevent exploitation. The charity calls on government, regulators and retailers to close loopholes and ensure workers know their rights.
Why it matters
It highlights growing labour abuse in everyday shops and the need for stronger protections for migrant workers.
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