To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the risk of modern slavery affecting individuals who become destitute as a result of their employer’s sponsorship license being revoked, and what action it plans to take to mitigate any such risk.
The Scottish Government believes no worker should face destitution after losing employment through no fault of their own, including where an employer’s sponsorship licence is revoked. We recognise that workers on employer-sponsored visa routes can face particular vulnerabilities, including an increased risk of exploitation where their immigration status is linked to a single employer.
While immigration policy and employment rights enforcement are reserved to the UK Government, we continue to engage with the UK Government where aspects of the immigration system may increase vulnerability to exploitation or create barriers to workers exercising their rights.
The Scottish Government funds a range of services to support vulnerable migrant workers, including the Worker Support Centre, which provides advice on employment rights and routes to relevant enforcement agencies. We also work with regulators, enforcement bodies and third sector partners to help prevent and tackle labour exploitation and human trafficking.