Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of potential exploitation and abuse of care sector workers across Cumbria.

This follows Anti-Slavery Day, which is observed annually on October 18, and serves to raise awareness of modern slavery.

Many care workers from overseas are employed to care for the vulnerable and exploited because of the significant use of temporary labour and the conditions of employment, the said.

Whilst it’s estimated there are at least 130,000 potential victims of slavery across the country, the true scale is unknown as most victims suffer in silence, behind closed doors, say Crimestoppers.

Most exploited care workers are women from overseas, working long, gruelling hours – often 20 hours each day. Those most at risk appear to be from India, Zimbabwe and Nigeria and often earn as little as £2 per hour, it is said.

Some have paid huge sums to unscrupulous recruiters to come to the UK on special visas designed to fill vacancies in the care sector, campaigners added.

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “You may work alongside someone or visit a care setting or an adult day care centre to see an older relative. We know victims of exploitation and abuse live in fear of the people who have trafficked or enslaved them. Many do not know their rights or how to raise concerns.

“Victims need people like us to speak up on their behalf, so please be aware so you can spot the signs of exploitation and contact us 100% anonymously. You could make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

Crimestoppers offers a safe and secure way for people to pass on what they know about crime 100% anonymously and without ever speaking directly to the police.

The charity guarantees complete anonymity to everyone who comes forward with information. That means no police, no courts, no witness statements.

You can contact Crimestoppers via the charity’s website and fill in an online form, here.

Alternatively, call their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 and speak to one of their specially trained call handlers.

Crimestoppers has shared a list of signs of modern slavery to look out for:

•            Workers being transported between venues by their employer

•            Victims may be confined to their place of work

•            Limited freedom to leave or communicate with others

•            Long shifts without adequate breaks or rest

•            Victims may lack legal status or proper work permits

•            Personal and professional documents and I.D. held by employers

•            Underpayment or non-payment of wages

•            Multiple workers living in the same accommodation – especially multiple staff in one room 

•            Signs of staff having to live in inappropriate spaces - floor/shed/out-house/garage

•            Looking to another to speak for them or someone insisting on speaking for others

•            Staff kept out of the way during a visit or engagement

•            Members of staff unable to communicate with their clients effectively

•            Signs of physical abuse such as unexplained injuries, bruises, or scars

•            Neglect in terms of health and safety.