As the Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation, Karen signed the UK up to the International Labour Organization's Protocol on Forced Labour on Friday.
By signing on behalf of the UK Government Karen ratified the legally binding international agreement, which sets out action needed to tackle forced labour and punish perpetrators furthering the Government’s commitment to protect UK workers from exploitation. The Protocol aims to create a safer environment for employees as it sets legal requirements for the UK to prevent forced labour, protect victims and provide access to support. The UK is only the third country in the world to sign up to this international commitment.
Karen said:
"Sadly, forced labour can take place in any industry, but the UK Government will not stand by while criminals profit from this trade in human misery. That’s why we have committed to working with the International Labour Organization and other countries to make sure we are providing the strongest possible protection for victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
"Through our landmark Modern Slavery Act we are already ensuring that those who are guilty of forced labour offences can face life behind bars, and our Immigration Bill, will ensure that the Gangmasters Licensing Authority has new powers to investigate worker exploitation."
Karen is pictured with Guy Ryder, Director General of the ILO who came to Westminster along with representatives for the TUC and the CBI who, along with the Government make up the UK's tri-partite representation at the ILO. Karen added:
"There is a serious procedure for signing this kind of document - which is particularly appropriate given the serious subject matter - and the UK Government does not sign up to international agreements until we know we can deliver what we have agreed to. So, I am proud to be able to do so thanks to the Modern Slavery Act and all the work we are doing with the GLA to tackle forced labour."