U.K. Government compensates fishermen recognized as modern slavery victims

In a landmark victory for victims of modern slavery, the U.K. government awarded £20,000 in compensation to each member of a group of fishermen, recognized as victims of modern slavery. Authorities rescued the Ghanaian crew in 2020 from a scallop trawler owned by the Scottish fishing company TN Trawlers. Earlier this year, a BBC investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that dozens of workers from countries such as the Philippines, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka may have been trafficked into the U.K. to work for the fishing firm. Despite extensive criminal investigations into TN Trawlers, authorities have yet to bring any cases related to human trafficking or modern slavery to trial.

“The conditions were unbearable”

As reported by the BBC, the fishermen had entered the U.K. under seamen contracts but, once on board, faced forced labor and modern slavery conditions. Employed by TN Trawlers and sister companies, the men reported exploitative and unsafe working conditions. Additionally, they were restricted to the vessel and could not legally set foot on U.K. land, even when the boat was docked at port.

The spokesman of the fishermen said:

“Being trapped on that boat felt like a nightmare. We worked day and night…The conditions were unbearable—there was no dignity, no respect for us as human beings…I’m grateful that we were finally rescued but the scars of that time are still with me.”

The workers described long, grueling hours, inadequate food and water, and an overall disregard for their well-being. Basic needs like warm clothing, food, and water were scarce, worsening their already harsh working conditions. Additionally, workers were often forced to take on tasks unrelated to their jobs, such as gardening for the company’s owner.

Home Office oversight?

Between 2012 and 2020, the Home Office identified 35 of the fishermen employed by TN Trawlers and sister companies as victims of modern slavery. Yet in 2013, TN Trawlers received £78,000 in funding from the Scottish Government. The Government awarded TN Trawlers the grant while the firm was actively being investigated for human trafficking, even after 18 crew members were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

A spokesperson from the Home Office stated:

“Modern slavery has devastating impacts and we are committed to tackling this heinous crime in all its forms…It is long-standing government policy that we do not comment on individual cases.”

The fishermen argued that the government failed to protect their human rights, which prohibit slavery, servitude, forced, or compulsory labor. They claim the Home Office neglected to identify their risks of trafficking and exploitation and did not act to protect them.

Take action

Although now compensated and living safely in the U.K., the fishermen have expressed that “no amount of money can erase the suffering.”

Stephanie Hill, a Human Right Partner who represented the men said:

“Our clients have shown a lot of courage in bringing this claim and this settlement is an important step forward in acknowledging the harm our clients endured…This case underscores the need for stronger legal safeguards to prevent abuses like these from happening again.”

Migrant workers seeking a better life are facing trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and even death aboard fishing vessels. The isolation of sea-based labor often deprives fisherfolk—including children—of the protections found in land-based workplaces. Take action today.

In the UK, including Northern Ireland, work is now underway to improve conditions and provide remediation by organizations including Human Rights at Sea International, as well as ITF Fisheries and FLEX.