FOREIGN workers are among hundreds being used as modern slaves in Britain’s understaffed social care sector, a new report revealed today.

Saddled with debts owed to “facilitators” who arrange their passage to Britain, and often charged fees for “certificates of sponsorship” to enable them get jobs, they face a lifetime of exploitation, the report by Unseen says.

The charity operates a helpline for workers who feel they are being abused and used as slaves.

Unseen said that it has seen a “significant increase” in reports of modern slavery in the care sector with 712 potential victims identified in 2022. 

The number represents 18 per cent of reported cases of slavery, Unseen said, adding that it expects the number to increase this year.

Unseen’s report, entitled Who Cares?, said: “Throughout 2022 and into 2023 the helpline has seen a significant rise in the number of cases indicating labour abuse and forced labour in the care sector. Many involve foreign nationals.

“As Britain opens up new visa routes for employment to meet labour shortages, the potential for exploitation increases.

“Many workers who come to Britain do not know their rights or how to raise a concern.”

The report said that victims owed an average debt of £11,800 to third party facilitators in their home countries, though some owed as much as £25,000. 

It said that many “will never be able to pay off the debt” and called for foreign workers to be told their rights.

Among its recommendations, it said salaries of care sector staff must be boosted, while mandatory modern slavery training should be completed by all Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors and local authority staff.

Public sector union Unison put the blame squarely on the government.

Unison head of social care Gavin Edwards said: “Exploitation by dishonest employers is rife and on the rise.

“The reality for many migrant workers is anything but the dream they’ve been sold.

“Staff are often trapped in sub-standard housing, earn a pittance for excessive hours, have colossal debts and are locked into unfair contracts.

“Ministers’ failure to reform and invest in care is directly to blame. So much for a promise to fix social care. 

“Only a national care service can bring about the much-needed change.”

A government spokesman said any employers found acting unlawfully may face prosecution.