Clare Bottle, chief executive of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has warned “warehousing is a sector which is at risk of modern slavery” as she urges industry players to be aware of the risks as part of Anti-Slavery Week.

Held last week for the first time, Anti-Slavery Week is designed to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

“Warehouse operators can sometimes be targeted by organised criminal networks, with victims of modern slavery hidden in plain sight among employees or agency staff,” Bottle warns.

“This Anti-Slavery Week, we’re urging all employers to stay vigilant: understand the risks, learn how to spot the warning signs, and know what action to take if you suspect someone is being exploited."

The UKWA, which has some 1,000 members who operate warehouses across the UK, has joined with non-profit organisation Stronger Together to tackle the issue head-on.

Stronger Together’s UK Warehousing program was established in 2023 for businesses who own, manage or provide labour into warehousing, in any sector, in the UK.

The group has created a suite of practical resources and guidance help businesses ensure responsible recruitment practices are in place and fair work free from exploitation is achieved, in warehousing facilities across the UK.

“Stronger Together’s UK Warehousing resources also include guidance on appropriate management of outsourced services to contractors, such as cleaning, catering, security and maintenance, where the risk of labour exploitation is also significant,” the non-profit states.

Bottle from the UKWA adds “We all have a role to play” in eradicating modern-day slavery.