Browsing by Author "Lawson, Karen"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Corporate Non Compliance with Section 54 Modern Slavery Act 2015: "Nobody's kicking our ass"
    (Journal of Modern Slavery, 2024-06) Lawson, Karen; Walsh, D.
    Section 54 of the UK’s Modern Slavery Act requires certain companies to publish annual statements, detailing steps taken to manage risks of modern slavery. However, many companies still have yet to fulfill their most basic legal requirements. Prior research has largely examined the quality of published statements; thus, the reasons and remedies for non-compliance are not wholly understood. The present study directly sought the views of non-compliant companies, finding apathy and the lack of repercussions for non-compliance as central to their continuing inertia. We also argue for a number of measures, including stronger penalties and enforcement, to increase compliance rates.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Increased risks of labor exploitation in the UK following Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic: Perspectives of the agri-food and construction sectors,
    (Taylor and Francis, 2022-05-24) Walsh, D.; Pajon, Laura; Lawson, Karen; Hafeez, Khalid; Heath, Mark; Court, Neil
    On leaving the EU, changes to the UK’s immigration system meant that low-skilled workers from overseas were largely prohibited from entering the UK. Since industries such as Agri-food and construction have been dependent on low-skilled migrant labor, the present study examined whether there would be increased risks of labor exploitation. Interviews conducted with 43 senior industry representatives revealed problems already being experienced recruiting labor, that were expected to worsen. Participants believed that the labor exploitation would increase, especially further down the supply chain, only compounded by impact of Covid-19, which some participants stated had prompted neglect of due diligence. In searching for practicable solutions, participants saw the new immigration rules as opportunities to re-examine business practices to appeal more to British workers through, say, providing better pay. Such aspirations are thought unlikely, when considering the various factors that create downward cost pressures upon consumers. Similarly, industry responses in developing new technologies to overcome labor shortfalls seem still some years away from realisation. These conditions, together, suggest there is a continuing and pressing demand for cheap labor, particularly from overseas, which is only being partially addressed by the current seasonal visa schemes. Accordingly, risks of increased labor exploitation remain very real.