UK business models 'normalising' worker hardship

Hundreds and perhaps thousands of workers are at risk of exploitation on many of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects, such as new hospitals, roads, railways and housing developments. Personnel Today reports that this is according to a report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), consisting of evidence from police, lawyers, campaigners and experts in the field, that found that business models based on aggressive costing created an environment in which unethical procurement and recruitment practices could occur. CIOB CEO Chris Blythe, said: ‘Our business models are normalising hardship, both for individuals and companies. And, whilst these models do not always lead directly to modern slavery, they are creating an environment in which it is easier for exploitation to thrive and criminality to infiltrate supply chains undetected.’