Hidden Housing Precarity, Employment Exit and the Policing of Labour Exploitation Among Migrant Care Workers in West Yorkshire

This public research concept proposal examines how housing insecurity interacts with employment and immigration dependency to suppress reporting of labour exploitation among migrant care workers in West Yorkshire. Many internationally recruited care workers live in employer-provided accommodation, have rent deducted from wages, or lack independent housing options. Leaving an exploitative job can therefore mean losing both employment and home — a "double exit cost" that creates a powerful barrier to seeking help. Building on preliminary pilot work with 30 migrant care workers, this 24-month mixed-methods study proposes: - A prevalence survey of up to 300 migrant care workers - In-depth qualitative interviews exploring lived experiences - Institutional mapping of current responses by public bodies and support organisations - Co-design and feasibility assessment of a community-led rapid-transition support model Indicative budget: £240,000–£330,000 over 24 months, subject to detailed costing and funder requirements. The project is led by Philemon Adaghe MIET (Voices for Change CIC / Research Affiliate, ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre). This is a public concept document for discussion and collaboration — partnerships, funding routes and ethical approval are subject to confirmation.