Some people in Leicester exploited by carrying out work for others but receiving little pay for it
Crimestoppers says it's happening to people in short term, flexible and freelance work
We're hearing how people in the gig economy - working short term or freelance - are vulnerable to exploitation, with an investigation finding some people in Leicester have been victim to labour abuse.
Crimestoppers say it comes about from people signing up for jobs, then passing the work to others but still pocketing most of the pay.
To tackle this, a campaign is being launched to raise awareness of labour exploitation affecting delivery drivers in the gig economy.
Lydia Patsalides, is the East Midlands Regional Manager:
“This is a serious form of labour exploitation, and it is completely unacceptable. We want the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and speak out to help protect vulnerable workers in our community.
“We need the communities help to speak out against those exploiting others for personal gain.”
It's said that most of the labour market where short-term, flexible, or freelance jobs are common, they're often facilitated by digital platforms.
It's at an increased risk of this because workers in the gig economy are typically classified as self-employed and are hired on a task-by-task basis, such as delivering food, driving passengers, or completing freelance work.
Working with Leicestershire Police, the charity has found how this has been happening... saying that some people are taking advantage of delivery workers by signing up with organisations and using these profiles to accept jobs. Then passing these jobs to others who are unable to secure work themselves, collecting the payment on their behalf and often paying only a fraction or nothing at all.
The campaign which is now underway will see direct messages shared across Leicestershire in the coming weeks, followed by a four-week social media campaign. It hopes to encourage members of the public to report suspected exploitation.
Signs of Labour Exploitation Include:
- Workers being paid less than agreed, or not at all.
- Jobs being passed on to others while the original worker receives no or partial payment.
- Excessive hours with little or no rest.
- Threats, coercion, or manipulation to continue work.
- Workers being forced into debt to secure work.
Crimestoppers added that many individuals who take on these roles do so believing they have no other option, or that they will be paid fairly. However, exploitation can quickly lead to debt bondage and is often linked to other forms of criminal activity and abuse.
Detective Inspector Sam Blackhurst from Leicestershire Police said:
“Exploitation in the gig economy is a hidden crime that often goes unnoticed - but its impact on vulnerable workers is devastating.
“We’re working closely with Crimestoppers to shine a light on labour abuse affecting delivery drivers, and we urge the public to speak up if they see something suspicious.
“Every report helps protect someone from being taken advantage of."
If you have information about labour exploitation in the gig economy, report it to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or via the online reporting form.