Black market construction exposed: Where modern slavery starts
Sites across the UK are complicit in the exploitation of undocumented workers – most of them from overseas. CN has spent six months investigating the industry’s hidden black market – and why prosecutions are so rare.
The crowd of eager workers rushes towards the dark green hatchback as it approaches the kerb.
By the time it comes to a halt, there’s a group of 20 men gathered around the car. A brief conversation ensues between the driver and two workers, after which the three of them drive off. The rest are left to kick their heels on the pavement, awaiting another opportunity.
If the two chosen workers are lucky, they will get enough money from the job to buy some food, pay their rent and a little extra to send home to their loved ones.