Chinese migrant workers in the UK: experiences of exploitation and forced labour

About the event

JRF will be launching research conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University in partnership with the Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Manchester, and in collaboration with the Chinese Welfare Association in Belfast and the Chinese Migrant Network in London.

This research drew on the experiences of 32 migrant Chinese workers, mostly in the Chinese catering and hospitality business and it explores the experiences of exploitation among low-skilled Chinese migrant workers in the UK. It highlights the extent of exploitation at work, examines what makes workers vulnerable to forced labour, and considers the complex relationships between migration, work and family.

The event aims to:

• To convey the research findings and the idea of a continuum of exploitation as it applies to Chinese migrant workers in the study
• Provide and opportunity for discussion and debate around the research findings and identify actions that can be taken to reduce exploitation of migrant Chinese workers

Lead Researcher Carolyn Kagan from the Research Institute for Health and Social Change at Manchester Metropolitan University and Sylvia Sham from Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Manchester will be speaking at the event as will JRF’s Forced Labour Programme Lead, Louise Woodruff. The event will be Chaired by Gerry Yeung, Director, Yang Sing Group.

The event will also include small group discussions which will consider the implications and recommendations arising from the research including what actions could be taken to reduce exploitation. The discussions will be set in the context of either Government, Civil Society and Trade Unions or Business, if you are able to join us on the booking form you will be asked to select which one of the three groups you wish to join.

This free event will start with registration and refreshments at 09:00am and conclude at 1pm with lunch. If you are able to join us, click here to complete the booking form no later than Monday 24 October, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you have any further questions, please contact Anne Richardson on 01904 615957 or anne.richardson@jrf.org.uk.

Why not join in the debate using Twitter hastag #forcedlabour.