Modern slavery

Understanding modern slavery – and how to spot the signs

Modern slavery is an international crime that affects an estimated 29.8 million slaves around the world, with an estimated 130,000 people held in slavery in the UK today.

There were 17,004 referrals in 2023 to to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the UK’s framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support - five times as many as the 3,263 referrals in 2015 when the Modern Slavery Act was passed, and the highest annual figure since the NRM began in 2009.

Slavery in the 21st century is often enforced by threats to the individual, coercion - through mental or physical abuse - or the threat of abuse, abduction, fraud and deception.

Report modern slavery anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form:

Give information anonymously

Modern slavery takes a number of forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation.

It can happen to men, women or children of any age, and it’s believed to be significantly under-reported, despite often happening in plain sight in public places. Victims are vulnerable and may not actually know they are being exploited.

Often the person is forced or compelled to work, and they are often controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse, both to them and their families.

This crime can include victims that have been brought from overseas, and vulnerable people in the UK, being forced to illegally work against their will in many different sectors, including brothels, nail bars, factories, car washes, construction and agriculture. It also goes on in agriculture, construction, catering, the care sector, contract cleaning, hotels and hospitality, and in fishing, as well as being widespread within the sex industry.

We can all help end modern slavery by being aware of what to look, for instance the next time you go to a car wash site or a nail bar.

Your information really can make a difference:

Women freed from brothel: details were given to us about a ‘pop up’ brothel using women who had been trafficked into the country. The information also listed four other locations across the region, with women being moved between them. Police arrested two people and helped the women at the original location. A much larger modern slavery investigation followed.

Business closed down: a caller’s information led to the rescue of four women who were being physically and mentally abused while being used as modern slaves by a larger group. The rural hotel where they were kept has since been closed down.

Showing signs of injury, abuse and malnourishment.
They look unkempt, are often in the same clothing and have poor hygiene.
Appearing to be under the control and influence of others.
Living in cramped, dirty, overcrowded accommodation.
They have no access or control of their passport or identity documents.
Appearing scared, avoiding eye contact, and being untrusting.
They may allow others to speak for them when addressed directly, rather than speak for themselves.
They’re collected very early and/or returned late at night on a regular basis.
May have inappropriate clothing for the work they are performing, and/or a lack of safety equipment.
May be isolated from the local community and their family.
They travel only with other workers.

Report modern slavery anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form:

Give information anonymously

What's the difference between modern slavery and human trafficking?

The terms 'modern slavery' and 'human trafficking' are often used interchangeably. They can be taken to mean the same thing on most occasions, but human trafficking may also refer to the movement of people from one place to another. Human trafficking often involves threat, force and coercion, and people may be trafficked into modern slavery as a result of abduction or deception.

What to do if you suspect modern slavery

If you have information on the criminals operating modern slavery networks, you can talk to us, as an independent charity, 100% anonymously - your identity will never be revealed. If you are already in the UK, call free on 0800 555 111 or report details online here on our website.

What to do if you are a victim of modern slavery

Due to our anonymity guarantee, we can't take information from victims of crime. If you think you or someone you have come across may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, you can contact The Salvation Army, who provide specialist support to adult victims of slavery, by calling their free 24-hour confidential helpline on 0800 808 3733.

The UK Modern Slavery Helpline is available 24/7 to offer confidential advice and support for any victim, statutory agency, business, or member of the public regarding modern slavery suspicions or concerns. Trained Helpline Advisers are available to discuss potential signs of modern slavery and options for callers or victims in need. Call free on 08000 121 700.