Online report 10/07 - Trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation: a literature review

This report summarises the findings from a review of literature on trafficking of people to the UK for the purposes of labour exploitation. The review both develops the evidence base and identifies knowledge gaps in this area. The findings are split into two parts, the first on adult victims and the second on children.

Literature was obtained by consulting a variety of information sources with an extensive list of search terms. The methodological quality of the identified, relevant research was assessed prior to it being included in the review.

The report reveals there is very little factual and robust evidence concerning trafficking to the UK for the purposes of labour exploitation for either adults or children. Some areas of knowledge are more extensively addressed than others, for example, victim nationality, employment sectors and the nature of exploitation, but there are still considerable knowledge gaps. Fundamentally, there is a lack of information on the scale of the problem, victim and perpetrator profiles, the long-term impacts and needs of victims and impacts of EU Accession.

This review does, however, serve to highlight some important issues, for example the need for clear and consistent terminology, links between victim support and perpetrator prosecution and perceptions of trafficking as an issue of employment standards and exploitation as well as enforcement. The review also highlights the need for special consideration of children in terms of support and protection. The findings are only indicative as they are based on a few qualitative studies, involving interviews and anecdotes from small samples and do not necessarily provide an accurate picture of the UK situation.

Despite limitations, the broad consistency in the information and issues raised does indicate the growing importance of this area and suggests a base from which to develop understanding. Filling the knowledge gaps identified would contribute towards a more robust evidence base and permit more definitive policy recommendations.