Students Highlight Labour Exploitation at the House of Lords

Boston College learners delivered an impressive and professional presentation about Modern Slavery at the House of Lords this week.

Following the completion of the pioneering project between the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Boston College, students involved were invited to speak to industry professionals at the Skills and Education Group and the Association of College’s Midlands Colleges Parliamentary Reception.

The reception, held at the Houses of Lords, celebrates achievement in the sector and enabled two of Boston College’s Creative Arts students, to provide details on the visual resources they created for the GLAA project and how the collaboration had impacted on their awareness of labour exploitation.

Speaking of the reception, Jo Maher, Boston College Principal and CEO said, “To deliver a presentation to Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, as well as Chairs and College Principals, is a rare opportunity to put the brilliant work that Boston College students and staff do on the map. Molly and Max were a credit to the College, and I am really proud of how they performed.”

The aim of the joint project between GLAA and Boston College learners was to raise the awareness of labour exploitation and GLAA’s commitment to protect vulnerable workers, by creating innovative visual resources and tutorials which then can be made available to education and training providers across the UK. This project marked the first time the GLAA had worked with a college to embed the subject of labour abuse within curriculum.

Kaley Boothby, Boston College Advanced Practitioner, who attended the Reception alongside the students, said “It was very impressive to hear our students speak with confidence and professionalism about their experience working with the GLAA. They discussed their increased awareness of worker rights, responsibilities and labour exploitation.”

The resources created by Boston College Creative Arts Students and GLAA are now available on the GLAA’s website for download.