The Guardian reports that the government has attempted to hold back the publication of a ground-breaking report on forced labour and the exploitation of migrant workers in Britain until after the general election.

The paper has obtained a copy of the draft report, marked "confidential, not for further distribution". It explores the relationship between forced labour and deregulated markets under the Labour government.

The report catalogues the methods used by private employers to force migrants to work for low wages and in poor conditions, from physical and sexual violence to debt bondage and blackmail.

It also shows examples of where the government has paid wages well below the minimum legal wage, following deductions to agencies.