Kate Roberts

Kate Roberts is Head of Policy at Focus on Labour Exploitation. She has a background in workers’ rights, campaigning and advocacy as well as anti-trafficking work. Kate was previously UK & Europe Manager at Anti-Slavery International, Head of the Human Trafficking Foundation, and an advisor at Kalayaan.

We know how to identify exploitation. Now we need to stop it

Ten years after the UK committed to tackle modern slavery, we’re no closer to preventing it. But we have the tools

By Kate Roberts

/ 22 May 2025

We know how to identify exploitation. Now we need to stop it

The UK government is undermining decades of anti-slavery efforts

Rather than improving support for survivors, the UK is moving backwards in its response to modern slavery

By Kate Roberts

/ 21 Oct 2022

The UK government is undermining decades of anti-slavery efforts

Life after trafficking in the UK: uncertainty, destitution and neglect

The UK claims to lead the fight against trafficking, but its policies on immigration, right to work, and access to benefits make it hard for survivors to recover.

By Kate Roberts

/ 24 Apr 2019

Life after trafficking in the UK: uncertainty, destitution and neglect

Looking back: the fight to protect domestic workers with the Modern Slavery Act

The Modern Slavery Act represented a chance to restore rights to overseas domestic workers in the UK, but due to strong government opposition those rights remain denied. Why?

By Kate Roberts

/ 25 Sep 2016

Looking back: the fight to protect domestic workers with the Modern Slavery Act

The Modern Slavery Act represented a chance to restore rights to overseas domestic workers in the UK, but due to strong government opposition those rights remain denied. Why?

By Kate Roberts

/ 25 Sep 2016

Modern slavery bill: migrant domestic workers fall through the gaps

UK immigration rules currently prevent migrant domestic workers from changing employers. This removes these migrant workers’ fundamental rights and leaves them vulnerable to abuse.

By Kate Roberts

/ 24 Mar 2015

Modern slavery bill: migrant domestic workers fall through the gaps

UK immigration rules currently prevent migrant domestic workers from changing employers. This removes these migrant workers’ fundamental rights and leaves them vulnerable to abuse.

By Kate Roberts

/ 24 Mar 2015

Modern slavery bill fails vulnerable women

In 2012 the UK government made it illegal for migrant domestic workers to change employers. Parliament has the chance to restore that right this week—it must do so.

By Izza Leghtas and Kate Roberts

/ 16 Mar 2015

Modern slavery bill fails vulnerable women

In 2012 the UK government made it illegal for migrant domestic workers to change employers. Parliament has the chance to restore that right this week—it must do so.

By Izza Leghtas and Kate Roberts

/ 16 Mar 2015