Unseen and Unheard: The Reality of Modern Slavery Today

The term ‘Modern Slavery’ captures a whole range of types of exploitation, including but not limited to:

  • sexual exploitation
  • domestic servitude
  • forced labour
  • criminal exploitation

Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight; every day people are tricked, coerced, or forced into exploitative situations that they cannot refuse or leave.

depressed man

The number of people identified as victims of modern slavery in the UK has been rising year on year, with over 19,125 people referred to the authorities in 2024 – but the real number is likely to be much higher, with some estimates suggesting there are between 122,000 and 130,000 people in slavery in the UK. It is further estimated that for every person successfully rescued from the clutches of modern slavery and given the opportunity to receive support, at least seven more remain trapped and exploited.

Estimates also suggest that the UK imports around £20 billion worth of goods that are at risk of having been made with forced labour.

How do people get trapped in slavery?

Many people are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but vulnerable British people are also targeted, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds and vulnerable adults.

Statistics from the Home Office show that in 2021, people from Britain were one of the largest country groups referred to authorities. For the many people who find themselves forced to work in illegal enterprises like drugs manufacturing or drug distribution, there’s the fear of being criminalised by the UK authorities for the activities that they have been trafficked into (County Lines).

What signs should we look out for?

Anyone could come into contact with a victim of modern slavery without even realising; however, there are some tell-tale signs. Perhaps someone looks frightened, unkempt, malnourished or has untreated injuries.

Is someone else is paying for their travel; speaking for them; picking up and dropping them off from work at unusual times or they may not be sure of their own address.

Ask yourself:

  1. Is the person living in dirty or crowded accommodation? Are they working and living at the same address?
  2. Does the person have signs of physical or psychological abuse or neglect? Do they wear the same clothes day in, day out?
  3. Does the person seem reluctant to seek help for fear of repercussions?
  4. Does the person lack the understanding of the risk of their situation or disagree with the concerns of professionals?
  5. Does the person lack access to their documents or bank account? Does the person have a relationship which appears exploitative or abusive?
  6. Is the person unable to leave their accommodation or travel freely?
  7. Does the person lack personal possessions such as money or a phone?
  8. Does the person appear under the control of others?
  9. Is the person unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you could have identified modern slavery. Please refer the concern to your Safeguarding Lead and consider contacting the police and adult social care.

How to report Modern Slavery:

If you believe the person to be in immediate danger, call 999 right away.

You can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or submit a report here File a report – the helpline is operated by Unseen, a 24/7 operation which is entirely confidential.

You can also report suspicions of modern slavery by calling the Police on 101 or visiting your local Police station.

Further Resources: