Modern Slavery Awareness & Prevention: In-Depth Guide for Self-Employed Yoga Teachers

Modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation, can affect any sector, including yoga, wellness, and fitness. As a yoga teacher, you may encounter risks through the venues you use, the suppliers you purchase from, or any collaborators, contractors, or event partners you engage with. This guide will help you understand, identify, and address modern slavery risks in your personal teaching practice or small business.

1. Understanding Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers:

• Forced labour: People forced to work against their will, often under threats or coercion.
• Human trafficking: Recruitment or movement of individuals for exploitation.
• Debt bondage: Workers forced to work to pay off debts they can never repay.
• Child labour in exploitative or harmful conditions.
• Domestic servitude: Victims forced to work in private households.

Why It Matters for Yoga Teachers

Even as a sole practitioner, you may encounter modern slavery risks:

• When booking retreat venues (housekeeping, catering, hospitality staff)
• When sourcing merchandise (yoga mats, clothing, props)
• When hiring cleaning or sessional help for classes or events
• When partnering with international organisers, festivals, or training providers

2. Recognising Risk in Your Context

Yoga retreats & events:

Are all staff at venues you use (in the UK or abroad) paid fairly and working voluntarily? Are their living and working conditions humane?

Suppliers:

Do you know where your yoga mats, clothing, or props are made? Are your suppliers transparent about their labour practices?

Contractors:

If you hire anyone (assistants, cleaners, guest teachers), do you provide clear agreements and pay promptly? Are they working of their own free will?

Third-party partners:

Do you check that retreat companies, studios, event organisers, or travel partners operate ethically?

• Map your connections: List all venues, suppliers, and partners you use.
• Ask questions: Request information about labour standards and anti-slavery policies from venues and suppliers.
• Visit in person: Where possible, visit venues to observe working conditions.
• Require agreements: Ensure contractors or assistants have written agreements that clearly specify pay, hours, and duties.
• Review suppliers periodically: Don’t just check once; keep an eye out for changes.
• Add anti-slavery clauses: Where possible, state your zero-tolerance approach in agreements.
• Keep records: Document your checks and decisions as part of your ethical business practice.

• Do not investigate yourself. This could put you or others at risk.
• Write down your concerns (what you saw or heard, dates, facts).
• Report to authorities:
• See resources below.
• Police (101 or 999 in emergencies)
• Local safeguarding boards

5. Building a Modern Slavery Policy

Even as a sole trader or self-employed teacher, having a written anti-slavery and human trafficking policy demonstrates your commitment and sets clear expectations for anyone you work with. This can be a simple one-page statement.

What to Include:

• Zero tolerance for modern slavery.
• Who the policy covers (yourself, any contractors, suppliers, venues).
• What steps do you take to check venues, suppliers, and collaborators?
• How concerns can be reported (to you, and to authorities).
• How often do you review your approach?

6. Case Studies & Scenarios

Scenario 1: You run a yoga retreat abroad. The venue’s cleaning staff seem fearful, work long hours, and rarely leave the premises. What do you do?

Suggested Response:

• Do not confront staff or management directly. This could put you or them at risk.
• Write down your observations (dates, behaviours, anything said or seen).
• Confidentially report your concerns to local authorities, local anti-trafficking or labour rights organisations.
• Make sure your own contracts, payments, and communications are ethical and transparent.
• Consider using a different venue for future retreats if you remain concerned about staff welfare.

Scenario 2: A supplier offers discounted yoga mats but won’t provide information about their production. Should you buy?

Suggested Response:

• Do not proceed with the purchase if the supplier won’t provide information about their labour practices.
• Ethical sourcing is important—lack of transparency is a red flag.
• Request documentation (ethical labour statement, third-party certifications, proof of fair working conditions).
• If the supplier refuses or avoids the question, find another supplier with clear, ethical sourcing.
• Keep a record of your decision as part of your anti-slavery commitment.

Scenario 3: A fellow teacher mentions they are teaching at a festival and that their pay will be withheld after the event ends. They also have no contract.

While end-of-event payment is not necessarily a sign of exploitation, a lack of written agreement is not best practice and increases risk. Teachers should always secure a contract and ensure payment terms are clear before agreeing to any engagement.

Suggested Response:

• Advise your colleague to request a written agreement and clear payment terms.
• Withholding pay and lack of contract may indicate exploitative practices—especially if there are other concerns (threats, inability to leave, etc.).
• If the situation appears to be part of a pattern or involves coercion, encourage reporting to the relevant authorities (e.g., ACAS, employment rights services, Modern Slavery Helpline).
• Offer support and information about their rights, but do not intervene directly.
• Consider your own future engagement: Only work with organisers who provide fair contracts and are transparent.

General Principle:

As a self-employed yoga teacher, you have the power to set high ethical standards for your business, even if you work alone. Avoid direct confrontation that could put anyone at risk, document your concerns, report to relevant authorities, and use your choices to promote ethical practice in the yoga sector.

Conclusion

Modern slavery is a hidden but real risk in today’s world, even in small yoga businesses and among sole traders. By staying informed, asking questions, and taking practical steps, self-employed yoga professionals can help prevent exploitation and foster a culture of safety and respect.