Chains of modern slavery obscure everyday city life.

Hidden Chains: Unmasking Modern Forced Labor in Your Backyard

Avery Sinclair in Law & Justice June 2025 • 4 min read.

"From global networks to local exploitation, discover the shocking reality of forced labor in developed countries and how it impacts domestic supply chains. Are you unknowingly supporting these unethical practices?"

We often think of forced labor as a problem that exists far away, in developing countries where global supply chains operate. However, a growing body of research reveals a disturbing truth: forced labor is also present within domestic supply chains, right here in developed nations. This means that products made for local consumption within our own borders may be tainted by exploitation.

While global value chain (GVC) analysis has been instrumental in understanding labor exploitation in the global economy, it primarily focuses on international markets. There's a critical need to understand how forced labor arises within domestic contexts, where unique factors and dynamics are at play. This exploration into domestic supply chains calls for a fresh perspective and a reimagining of existing frameworks.

This article delves into the hidden world of forced labor in the UK, exposing the regulatory gaps that allow it to persist in industries like food, construction, and even illegal cannabis cultivation. By understanding the nuances of domestic forced labor, we can begin to address the systemic issues and design more effective strategies for its eradication.

What Does Forced Labor Actually Look Like?

Chains of modern slavery obscure everyday city life.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines forced labor as "all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty for its non-performance and for which the person has not offered himself voluntarily". This definition goes beyond simple unfair labor practices; it involves coercion and a deprivation of freedom.

While there's a broad spectrum of exploitative labor practices, forced labor involves the fundamental deprivation of liberty or violence to compel work. Examples uncovered in the UK include workers paid as little as £5 a day for grueling labor, subjected to violent punishment and discipline.

Coercion: Threats, violence, or intimidation used to force someone to work.
Involuntary Work: Labor performed against one's will.
Restriction of Freedom: Preventing workers from leaving their workplace or controlling their movements.
Debt Bondage: Forcing workers to pay off debts through labor, with little or no chance of escape.

Despite legal prohibitions, forced labor persists and even thrives in developed economies, driven by globalization and a lack of effective enforcement. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that developed economies have the highest annual profit rates per victim of forced labor, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action.

What Can We Do?

Forced labor in domestic supply chains is a complex problem, but by recognizing its presence, understanding its dynamics, and demanding greater transparency and accountability, we can all play a part in creating a more just and ethical world. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, businesses, and consumers working together to ensure that all labor is free and fair.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/rego.12162, Alternate LINK

Title: Governance Gaps In Eradicating Forced Labor: From Global To Domestic Supply Chains

Subject: Law

Journal: Regulation & Governance

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Andrew Crane, Genevieve Lebaron, Jean Allain, Laya Behbahani

Published: 2017-09-06

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly constitutes forced labor, and how is it different from just unfair working conditions?

Forced labor, as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), involves compelling work from someone under the threat of penalty, where they haven't volunteered. This goes beyond unfair labor practices. It means that people are being coerced through threats, violence, or intimidation, making the work involuntary and restricting their freedom. Debt bondage is another form, trapping workers in a cycle of labor to pay off debts with little hope of escape.

Why is it important to focus on forced labor within domestic supply chains when Global Value Chain (GVC) analysis already addresses labor exploitation?

While Global Value Chain (GVC) analysis helps us understand labor exploitation in the international markets, it often overlooks the dynamics within developed nations. Domestic supply chains have their own unique factors that allow forced labor to persist. Factors such as regulatory gaps that exist within the country, and the types of industries present. For example, in the UK, sectors like food production, construction, and illegal cannabis cultivation have shown to have instances of forced labor.

What are the main factors that allow forced labor to persist, and even thrive, in developed economies?

Several factors drive the persistence of forced labor, even in developed economies. Globalization can contribute, but the primary driver is a lack of effective enforcement of existing labor laws. The International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that developed economies actually have the highest annual profit rates per victim of forced labor, highlighting the economic incentives that perpetuate these exploitative practices.

What specific actions can I, as an individual consumer, take to help combat forced labor in domestic supply chains?

Everyone has a role to play in combating forced labor. We can start by recognizing its presence in domestic supply chains and understanding how it operates. Demanding greater transparency and accountability from businesses is critical. This requires a multi-faceted approach where governments, businesses, and consumers collaborate to ensure all labor is free and fair.

What kind of assistance and protection is available to victims of forced labor who are exploited within developed economies?

Victims of forced labor may be entitled to various forms of assistance and protection. These can include legal aid to pursue justice and compensation, safe housing to escape exploitative conditions, and access to healthcare and counseling to address the physical and psychological trauma they have endured. Additionally, support for reintegration into society, such as job training and placement services, is essential to help them rebuild their lives.