Warning: This episode contains references to human exploitation and is only intended to be heard by adults aged 18 and over. If you are likely to find this distressing, emotionally triggering or challenging, please consider carefully how you might want to engage with this episode. We’ve provided links for support agencies in the description below. Stay safe. 

Welcome to this week’s episode where I talk to Jennifer Wascak.

Jennifer is an American attorney and CEO of Justice in Fashion, an organisation trying to identify and reduce inequalities in the garment supply chain - an industry, like many others, not immune to modern slavery. 

We initially focus in on the labour exploitation taking place in Leicester - yes Leicester in the UK. 

In 2020 an Independent Review was commissioned following a publication by the Sunday Times newspaper, in which it alleged unacceptable working conditions and underpayment of workers in factories making clothes for a large international brand. Alison Levitt QC, author of the report, concluded that although the brand was not directly responsible for the poor treatment of the workers, it knew the extent of the problem and failed to take adequate action. 

We see how Jennifer’ organisation has opened the first community drop-in center in Leicester, offering a safe and anonymous environment for workers to come and share their experiences. 

Emergency and support lines

UK emergency 999 / non-emergency 112, Europe emergency 112, US emergency 911 (A full list of global emergency telephone numbers can be accessed on Wikipedia at: ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers⁠) 

Childline 0800 1111

Crimestoppers UK 0800 555111

UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline 08000 121 700

Migrant Help 0808 8010 503

Rape Crisis England & Wales 0808 5002222