The first three things to do if your sponsor is exploiting you

The new rule gives recognised victims a way out. Getting recognised is a process, and the order you do things in matters. This is the order that keeps most people safest.

One: write it down before you forget it

Dates, amounts, names, what was said. Photograph your rota, your payslips, your contract, any message that threatened you. Keep it somewhere your employer cannot reach, such as your own email. Evidence gathered while it is happening is worth far more than memory afterwards.

Two: get the referral started

The National Referral Mechanism is the official route to being recognised as a victim. You cannot refer yourself directly, but the Modern Slavery Helpline, the police, your local council and many charities can, and they will explain it first.

Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700. Free, confidential, day and night.

Three: only then, move

Once a positive conclusive grounds decision comes through, you can work for any employer for the rest of your visa without a new sponsor. That is the moment the door is genuinely open.

Leaving before that decision is a risk nobody should take on the strength of a headline.

When you are ready to look

Look for a company whose licence you can see for yourself. Every job on this site comes from a company checked against the Home Office register on the day, and you can search any company for free on our licence check page.

We are a job alert service, not immigration advisers, and this is not legal advice. For your own case speak to a regulated adviser or a support organisation.