How to report serious abuse or exploitation at work
What serious abuse or exploitation at work could mean and how to report it for investigation.
If you think you or someone else is in immediate risk of injury, call 999 and ask for the police.
What is serious abuse at work
You’re being seriously abused or exploited at work if you believe you’re being controlled, threatened or manipulated.
This is called ‘abuse of power’.
This could be:
- physical – for example, being threatened with violence, or not being allowed to leave your place of work
- psychological – for example, being told you’ll be deported if you do not do what you’re told
- financial – for example being forced to work to pay off a debt, or your wages being controlled by someone else
Ways to report serious abuse or exploitation at work
If you think you or someone else is in immediate risk of injury, call 999 and ask for the police.
You can also report serious abuse at work to the Fair Work Agency.
Online form
Report serious abuse or exploitation at work
Phone
0345 161 6000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)
We can arrange for an interpreter, if needed
You’ll be asked your name and contact details. You do not have to give us these. If you do, we’ll only use them to ask you questions about your report.
What we’ll do with your report
We’ll look at what you tell us to see what action we can take.
We will not share your details with anyone you tell us about in your report.
If we think that a different organisation can help you, we’ll share your report with them.
Where to get help for other problems at work
The help or advice you need will depend on the problem you’re having.
For free advice about pay, hours, holiday and dismissal , visit the Acas website.
For problems with an employment agency, working time limits or National Minimum Wage, you can use this complain about pay and work rights form or call 0300 123 1100.
For concerns about unsafe working conditions, contact the Health & Safety Executive.
For information on working while on a Student or Seasonal Worker visa, contact UK Visas and Immigration.