- A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations of modern slavery
- The victims included Ghanaians and Indians
- Many were promised well-paying jobs in the UK
A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations of modern slavery against a small family-owned Scottish fishing firm, TN Trawlers.
Dozens of workers from around the world, including the Philippines, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka, claim they were trafficked into the UK to work under exploitative conditions.
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TN Trawlers, based in Annan, Scotland, and its sister companies, owned by the Nicholson family, are accused of subjecting workers to long hours, poor living conditions, and inadequate pay.
Despite multiple allegations and investigations, no cases of human trafficking or modern slavery related to the company have come to trial.
The BBC investigation details the experiences of several workers who claim they were deceived and exploited by the company.
Many were promised well-paying jobs in the UK but were instead forced into grueling labor conditions. They allege being denied proper food, water, and clothing, and being subjected to verbal abuse and threats.
Joel Quince, a Filipino fisherman who arrived in the UK in 2012, described working 18-hour days, seven days a week, for less than the minimum wage.
He also claimed to have been injured on the job but was denied medical treatment.
The Home Office recognized 35 individuals as victims of modern slavery after they were referred to the National Referral Mechanism.
However, the company has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that its workers are well treated and well paid.
