From 2021-22, Caroline led research into temporary migrant agricultural worker representation and power in four separate country contexts, Ireland, Brazil, Canada and Germany. This work was shared with decision makers in Scotland to promote better protection for workers on the UK Seasonal Worker Visa in Scotland. The report led to the Scottish Government funding its first ever Worker Support Centre for workers on the Seasonal Worker Visa in Scotland.

Editorial article introducing Special Issue 15 of the Anti-Trafficking Review, co-Edited by Caroline Robinson. This introduction examines the driving forces behind the increasing prominence of precarious work, the accelerating role of migrant labour within global economic systems, and the political relationship between everyday abuses and forms of severe exploitation which have recently come to be defined as human trafficking and modern slavery. We argue that a singular focus upon individual cases of extreme exploitation is unlikely to be effective, and can also draw attention away from the larger systems, interests, and abuses that are associated with the smooth and regular operations of the global economy. We also suggest that at least some of the energies which have recently been expended debating the contentious category of ‘modern slavery’ could be usefully redirected towards lower profile interventions concerned with worker and migrant rights.

Caroline led research engaging with migrant workers in seasonal agricultural work to understand their experiences of life and work in the UK. This ground breaking report identifies a range of recommendations to improve protections for workers on the UK Seasonal Worker Visa directed at government, trade unions and the industry. It led to a range of actions including the UK government revising its scheme guidance and the Scottish government establishing a helpline for at-risk workers.