The recent Leicester garment factory crisis has highlighted issues regarding the UK’s modern slavery legislation following criticism that it does not go far enough in incentivising retailers to address issues in their supply chains.
Following a spike in Covid-19 cases in Leicester, which prompted a city-wide local lockdown, has been linked to garment factories in and around the city and has raised issues regarding worker rights and working conditions.
Another fast-fashion retailer, Quiz, has also been subject to similar allegations, which has resulted in its Leicester supplier being suspended.
These factories represent part of the unseen garment supply chain within the UK who allegedly continued to operate during the localised lockdown despite government rules prohibiting this as in order to tackle the ongoing spread of coronavirus.
Following this news, the National Crime Agency has reportedly visited numerous factories in the area to assess concerns regarding modern slavery and human trafficking.
The case has brought attention to the subject of modern slavery, something which is commonly regarded as a problem confined to the developing world and not seen as something that would happen in the UK and other parts of the developed world.