'Slavery grows in UK' ten years after cockling disaster

Ten years on since 23 cockle pickers died in Morecambe bay - workers are still facing "slavery" in the UK, authorities warn.

The Gangmaster's Licensing Authority was set up in the wake of the tragedy to prevent gangmasters exploiting vulnerable workers or forcing them to work in dangerous conditions.

However the body's chief executive, Paul Broadbent, told BBC Radio 5 live's Breakfast that an "undercurrent" of organised criminals entering the labour market threatened the safety of workers.

The criminals are "absolutely seeking to exploit people for financial profit and treat them as slaves," Mr Broadbent warned.

  • Subsection
  • Published