Preventing labour exploitation: evidence summary

Purpose and aims

This paper is part of series of rapid evidence summaries which aim to explore current understanding of prevention strategies and interventions in relation to human trafficking and exploitation in the UK. These include an overarching paper on prevention approaches, and three smaller, more focused reviews on criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. This paper examines labour exploitation prevention, with an emphasis on adult labour exploitation which reflects the lack of literature on preventing child labour exploitation (perhaps due to child labour often being intertwined with other forms of trafficking). It was undertaken to inform the Scottish Government’s refresh of its Human Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy. Whilst evidence is lacking on ‘what works’ to prevent labour exploitation, the available information provides useful insight into the challenges and opportunities for prevention. The research findings and views summarised in this report do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Scottish Government or Scottish Ministers.