Applying for a job in the UK Adult Care Sector

An introduction to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

The GLAA is a UK government agency. Our role is to protect workers from exploitation through prevention, regulation and enforcement.

We investigate forced and compulsory labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and unlicensed activity throughout the UK. We raise awareness of labour exploitation and promote workers’ rights.

We have helped multiple workers in the care sector who have been exploited at work, ensuring they receive the pay and conditions they are entitled to.

Before you travel to the UK

If you are thinking of working in the UK it is important to understand the recruitment process and your employment rights so you do not become a victim of labour exploitation.

There are several things you must check before you travel to the UK.

Applying for a job in the UK Adult Care Sector

The GLAA is a UK government agency. Our mission is to stop worker exploitation. We have helped workers in the care sector who have been exploited at work to make sure they receive the pay and conditions they are entitled to several things to check before you travel to the UK.
Check you have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Your sponsor will need to apply for this before you can apply for a visa to work in the UK. Your sponsor needs a licence to apply for a CoS and you can check who has a licence on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/…/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Does the job exist? Contact the employer you will be working for by phone or online to confirm the job is real.
Do you have a UK Health and Care Worker visa? You can apply for this yourself online at https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa where you will find out how much it costs, how to check your job is eligible and what documents you need to apply.
Your sponsor can help you apply for a visa but any advice must be free of charge and you should not pay for any help or services you receive.
You will find more information on our website: https://www.gla.gov.uk/…/applying-for-a-job-in-the-uk…

The GLAA is a UK government agency. Our role is to protect workers from exploitation. We have helped workers in the care sector who have been exploited at work to make sure they receive the pay and conditions they are entitled to.

You do not need to pay a fee for employment within the UK. It is against the law for a UK based agency to charge you a work finding fee.

Once in the UK your employer cannot

• Restrict your movements

• Keep your identification or passport

• Force you to work extra hours without payment

• Withhold your wages

• Deport you

You have certain rights as a worker in the UK. Find out more about these on our website: https://www.gla.gov.uk/…/applying-for-a-job-in-the-uk…

Our Workers’ Rights leaflets are available in 21 languages and explain your rights as a worker in the UK. This includes information about the National Minimum Wage, your payslip, hours of work and terms and conditions. You can find them on our website: https://www.gla.gov.uk/…/i-am-a…/workers-rights-leaflets

Modern slavery is a global problem and an international crime, affecting millions of people worldwide, including many victims within the UK. Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to labour exploitation, forced to work for little or no pay.

Labour exploitation can be an element of the criminal offences of forced labour or human trafficking, which constitute modern slavery. Our Spot the Signs guide explains how to spot labour exploitation. Find it on our website: https://www.gla.gov.uk/…/spotting-the-signs-mini-guide.pdf

Report concerns in the Health and Care sector to the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline. Call 08000 121 700 or report concerns online: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report

Stopping worker exploitation

For more information, visit:

https://www.gla.gov.uk/publications/resources/applying-for-a-job-in-the-uk-adult-care-sector