Zimbabwean migrant workers exploited in UK

Zimbabwean migrant workers in the United Kingdom are among the most exploited groups in the country's care industry, according to a new report by the UK trade union UNISON. The survey, titled Caring at a Cost: A Survey of Migrant Care Staff Working in the UK, highlights widespread abuse and mistreatment faced by migrant workers, particularly those from African nations, including Zimbabwe.

The report builds on findings from UNISON's November 2023 publication, Expendable Labour, which revealed alarming exploitation by predatory recruitment agents. According to the report, many care workers were coerced into paying exorbitant fees to recruitment agents before traveling to the UK. Once in the country, these workers experienced wage deductions, faced demands for additional fees disguised as administrative costs, and were subjected to threats of dismissal and deportation.

"Migrant care workers - some of whom have sold everything to make the journey - have found themselves in dire circumstances," the report noted. Many reported being housed in substandard accommodation, enduring racial abuse, and struggling under financial and emotional strain.

UNISON conducted a comprehensive survey from November 2024 to January 2025 to determine the extent of these challenges. The survey gathered responses from 3,306 migrant care workers from countries including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Participants detailed various forms of exploitation, including wage deductions, delayed payments, inadequate housing, and instances of racism. The survey also shed light on the impact of the UK's current sponsorship system, which often leaves migrant workers vulnerable to manipulation by employers and recruiters.

The findings are particularly concerning given the sharp rise in Zimbabwean migration to the UK. According to the UK government's Long-term International Migration, Provisional: Year Ending June 2024 report, 36,000 Zimbabwean nationals migrated to the UK during that period, a significant increase from previous years. Of these, 35,000 sought work opportunities, reflecting a 67% rise from the 21,000 Zimbabwean job-seekers recorded in the year ending June 2023.

This surge in migration has been driven by economic challenges in Zimbabwe, forcing many to seek better opportunities abroad. However, for many of these workers, the promise of improved livelihoods has been overshadowed by the harsh realities of exploitation.

UNISON has called for urgent reforms to address the systemic abuse within the UK's care industry. Recommendations include stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, improved oversight of employers, and stronger protections for migrant workers.

As Zimbabwean workers continue to contribute significantly to the UK's care sector, addressing these issues is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the industry. The report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of migrant workers and the pressing need for meaningful action to protect their rights.