Hundreds of modern slavery victims found working in UK bars, hotels, and licensed venues, charity warns

A leading anti-slavery charity has raised alarm over the growing number of modern slavery victims working in licensed hospitality venues across the UK, including bars, hotels, restaurants, and holiday parks.

According to Unseen, a charity that operates the UK’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, hundreds of individuals have reported being trapped in exploitative conditions while employed in venues that are legally licensed and regulated. Many victims were recruited under the government’s Skilled Worker visa scheme, only to find themselves burdened with illegal debts and subjected to coercive control by employers.

Hospitality Sector Under Scrutiny

Between January 2024 and June 2025, the helpline received reports from:

• 485 individuals working in food and drink establishments such as pubs, bars, and restaurants
• 85 individuals employed in hotels, campsites, and other holiday accommodations

These figures represent a sharp increase in exploitation within the hospitality sector, which had previously seen fewer cases compared to industries like agriculture and care work.

Debt Bondage and Visa Abuse

Many victims were found to be working under Skilled Worker visas, having paid up to £30,000 in illegal recruitment fees. These debts were often deducted directly from their wages, leaving them with little to no income. Some were housed in employer-controlled accommodation and threatened with deportation if they spoke out.

Justine Carter, Deputy CEO of Unseen, said:
“Bars, hotels, and other licensed venues are now showing the same patterns of exploitation we’ve seen in the care sector—high recruitment fees, debt bondage, and threats of removal. These are not isolated incidents.”

Victim Demographics

The majority of reported victims were Indian nationals (40%), followed by Bangladeshi nationals (13%), with others from Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Many were promised legitimate employment and a pathway to residency, only to be trapped in exploitative arrangements.

Call for Regulatory Action

The charity is urging licensing authorities and hospitality regulators to tighten oversight and ensure that venues employing migrant workers are held accountable. It also calls for better protections for visa holders and more robust enforcement against rogue recruiters.