OnePay joins forces with GLAA to prevent labour exploitation

A provider of alternative payment solutions for temporary employees who can’t open a UK bank account has been working with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to help prevent labour exploitation.

OnePay, which has more than 400,000 customers across the UK, helps some of the country’s leading recruitment agencies, seasonal agricultural farms and employers with large workforces, pay their workers every week.

The company has been working closely with the GLAA after it was discovered some exploiters were using OnePay cards to control the finances of their exploited workers.

That led to OnePay training all its front line staff in how to spot the signs of exploitation and slavery, through awareness days, workshops and working through real life case studies.

Jayme Clarkson, Senior Compliance Manager at OnePay, said: “We believe financial institutions like ourselves should play a proactive role in trying to prevent workers being exploited, especially when our products and services are being abused as part of that exploitation.”

OnePay has also created a dedicated team to manage any concerns raised by its staff and help manage potential victims.

Jayme added: “We are committed to enhancing our internal controls in order to tackle exploitation and working with the authorities to share best practices.”

Frank Hanson, Head of Prevention and Partnerships at the GLAA, said: “We have developed a constructive working relationship with OnePay, especially within our enforcement arena. Investigations into labour exploitation often involve lengthy and complex financial inquiries. OnePay has recognised this and continues to engage with us proactively.

“We’d like to see the financial services sector play a more proactive role across the board when it comes to helping tackle and prevent labour exploitation.”

Video transcript

Jayme Clarkson, Senior Compliance Manager at One Pay

At OnePay, we're committed to working really closely with our clients, the GLAA and law enforcement to help eradicate modern slavery.

We have 21 dedicated staff and they're all fully trained to spot the red flags of potential exploitation. They receive regular training sessions, and that includes case studies, and they also receive awareness days on a regular basis.

We also have a dedicated team who are here to investigate any reports that might be received.

At OnePay, we're strong believers that everybody has their part to play to abolish this dreadful crime.