Nidhi Sharma

Project Title: Understanding the lived experience of workplace coercion, exploitation and modern slavery in the community across Nottingham

What were you doing before starting this PhD?

I was a Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University. In my role I worked on research exploring informalised employment sectors in the UK and gained greater knowledge and understanding of various forms of labour market non-compliance including labour exploitation, workplace coercion and modern slavery. 

What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?

My research experience of informalised workplace practices and labour exploitation meant I was drawn to this project to utilise and build on my knowledge and skills in this field of research. The PhD project has the potential to create meaningful change to better protect vulnerable workers and those affected by exploitative practices, which underpins my motivation and purpose for doing this project. 

What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research? 

I hope local communities will feel they are listened to and that their perspectives and insights help to shape local initiatives or policies according to what the communities feel they need. In the future I hope Nottingham will benefit as a whole from gaining a better understanding of the various communities and areas within it so that resources, attention and time can be targeted where it is most needed in order to better protect workers. 

What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally) 

To work in research and to maintain connections between the community partners, the universities and myself so that valuable work can continue after the PhD.