Examining corporate/organisational crime and labour exploitation in relation to a ‘Criminology of work’

This paper examines the intersections between corporate/organisational crime and labour exploitation, thereby contributing to a ‘criminology of work’ perspective by focusing on (i) the conceptualisation, (ii) organisation, and (iii) governance of labour exploitation. Labour exploitation encompasses a spectrum of practices, from severe violations related to modern slavery, to more ‘banal’ but widespread challenges such as underpayment and precarious employment. Framing these issues through a corporate crime lens highlights how systemic organisational factors, such as complex supply networks, fragmented oversight, and corporate cultures enable exploitation while limiting accountability. Focused primarily on the UK, the paper critiques the UK’s claim to a ‘world-leading’ response to modern slavery, arguing that despite policy advances, systemic organisational factors and fragmented governance continue to enable exploitation to develop in the context of legitimate markets. It explores conceptual overlaps, emphasising how both labour exploitation and corporate crime are obscured by a range of hidden practices and inadequate legal frameworks. By integrating insights from criminology and the multi-/inter-disciplinary topic area of labour exploitation, this paper argues for a broader framing of labour exploitation within corporate/organisational crime research. This approach critiques existing frameworks while providing insights into structural challenges. It provides a foundation for addressing key drivers of exploitation and enhancing regulatory and organisational responses that go beyond reactive measures to systemic reform.