News / Warning to firms as Covid puts more and more workers at risk of modern slavery

© Fabio Berti |

Corporate exposure to modern slavery, particularly in retail and apparel, has seen a significant increase in the past four years – and is expected to rise again following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The problem is particularly acute in Asia, according to new research from risk data company Verisk Maplecroft, in its 2020 Human Rights Outlook.

People in major exporting countries such as Bangladesh (18th highest risk), China (20th), India (25th), Cambodia (32nd) and Vietnam (35th) are at risk of slavery, trafficking and forced ...