Forced labour under a microscope - How people are subjected to forced labour within domestic work

Abstract: The paper focuses on forced labour in domestic work. This paper examines how forced labour in domestic work is addressed internationally and nationally. To fulfil this purpose, the report examines how forced labour is defined in international law and how it is legally combated. It also examines how Sweden and the UK meet international standards. The thesis is based on two methods: legal science using empirical material and legal sources, and a comparative approach. Forced labour is a global issue that has been growing over the years, making more people fall victim to forced labour. A common vulnerable group of workers includes domestic workers, as working conditions for domestic workers are poorly described in legislation, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation. Forced labour is defined by the ILO in the ILO Forced Labour Convention. Decent working conditions for domestic workers are set out in the Domestic Workers Convention. Together, these conventions aim to prohibit all forms of forced labour and increase protection for domestic workers. Both conventions bind Sweden and thus have an obligation in national legislation to criminalise forced and provide decent working conditions for domestic workers. The UK is only bound by the Forced Labour Convention. Sweden and the UK differ broadly in how national legislation is designed to prohibit and criminalise forced labour, even though the Forced Labour Convention binds both. The protection for domestic workers is comprehensive, with some gaps in the Swedish legislation. In contrast, in the UK legislation, criminalisation is insufficient, and the safety of domestic workers is weak. In turn, the UK should increase protection against forced labour and address the shortcomings of the legal framework. Sweden has come a long way but still has some flaws that should be addressed.