Modern Day Slavery FAQs

Modern day slavery refers to situations in which people are exploited and unable to refuse or leave due to coercion, threats, deception or abuse of power, including forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, or domestic servitude.

According to a recent estimate for the UK, about 122,000 people are living in modern slavery or slavery-like conditions.

Worldwide, about 50 million people are estimated to be in modern-slavery or slavery-like conditions.

In the UK, there are estimated to be 122,000 people living in modern slavery.

The main forms of modern slavery are:

• Forced labour – being made to work under threat, coercion, or intimidation with little or no pay. Individuals often face restricted movement, harsh conditions, or confiscation of documents.
• Human trafficking – recruiting, transporting, or harbouring people for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking can occur across borders or within a single country.
• Debt bondage – being trapped in work to repay a debt that is manipulated, inflated, or impossible to clear. This is one of the most widespread but hidden forms of exploitation.
• Forced marriage – being made to marry without free and informed consent. Victims may face pressure, threats, or emotional manipulation from family or others.
• Domestic servitude – being forced to work in private households where freedom is restricted. Victims may be isolated, unpaid, or subjected to abuse and long working hours.
• Child exploitation – involving children in forced labour, trafficking, or commercial sexual exploitation. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their age, dependence, and limited ability to seek help.

The most common form of modern slavery in the UK is forced labour, affecting workers across sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work and manufacturing, often driven by economic vulnerability, migration, and lack of regulation.

Yes, domestic servitude is a recognised form of modern slavery. It occurs when a person is forced to work in a private household under conditions that limit their freedom, such as excessive working hours, little or no pay, confiscated identity documents, isolation, or threats.

Domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because the work takes place behind closed doors, making exploitation harder to detect.

Yes, forced marriage is recognised as a form of modern slavery when a person is made to marry without their free and informed consent. Victims may be coerced through threats, pressure, deception, or abuse, and may then face further exploitation within the marriage.

Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, forced marriage is treated as a serious offence linked to exploitation and the abuse of personal freedom.

Neglect on its own is not classified as a form of modern slavery. However, neglect can occur within situations of modern slavery, for example, where victims are denied basic needs such as food, medical care, or safe living conditions as a means of control. In these cases, neglect is part of the wider exploitation.

These are examples of modern slavery:

• A construction worker is recruited from overseas, has their passport taken away, is forced to work long hours in unsafe conditions, and receives little or no pay while being threatened with deportation if they try to leave.
• A domestic worker lives in the home of their employer, is not allowed to leave unaccompanied, works from early morning until late at night, and is denied wages and access to communication with others.

Both situations involve coercion, restricted freedom, and exploitation, which are key indicators of modern slavery.

Modern slavery is caused by a combination of social, economic, and structural factors that create vulnerability and enable exploitation. Common causes include:

• Poverty and economic instability, which push people to accept risky jobs or migration offers. When individuals lack financial security, they may be more willing to trust false promises of work or education.
• Lack of legal protections or weak labour enforcement, making it easier for exploiters to operate. In regions where inspections are limited or penalties are low, exploitative practices can continue unchecked.
• Conflict, displacement, and migration, which leave people without support networks and more susceptible to coercion. Traffickers often target people fleeing violence or hardship who have few safe options.
• Discrimination and social marginalisation, affecting groups who face fewer opportunities and greater vulnerability. This includes minorities, women, children, and disabled people who may be excluded from secure work.
• Demand for cheap labour and services, which incentivises exploitative practices in certain industries. High-pressure supply chains and low consumer prices can drive businesses to cut costs through unethical labour.
• Organised criminal activity, including trafficking networks that profit from exploitation. Criminal groups exploit legal gaps and high profits, making modern slavery a lucrative and persistent crime.

People most likely to be exploited by modern slavery are those who face heightened vulnerability due to social, economic, or personal circumstances. This can include:

• Migrant workers, especially those with insecure immigration status or language barriers, who may rely on recruiters or employers for housing, documents, or income.
• People living in poverty, who may accept risky job offers or be coerced through debt or financial dependence.
• Children, who lack power, protection, and the ability to advocate for themselves.
• Women and girls, particularly in situations involving domestic servitude, forced marriage, or sexual exploitation.
• People experiencing homelessness, addiction, or social isolation, who may be targeted by traffickers or criminal networks.
• Individuals from marginalised or discriminated groups, who often have reduced access to safe work and legal protection.

Exploitation occurs where vulnerability meets opportunity, and traffickers intentionally target those least able to resist or seek help.

In the UK, among potential victims referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the most identified nationality is British/UK nationals, making up the largest single group of referrals.

Other frequently referred nationalities include Albanian and Vietnamese nationals. In recent years UK nationals consistently accounted for the highest proportion of referrals, followed by significant numbers of Albanian and Vietnamese nationals among non-UK referrals.

Modern slavery affects people of many ages, genders and backgrounds, and official statistics give a clearer picture of who is referred as a potential victim in the UK.

In recent National Referral Mechanism (NRM) data: about three-quarters (74 %) of referrals were male and around a quarter were female, and nearly a third of all referrals were for children, indicating a significant proportion of young people affected.

Modern slavery in health and social care refers to situations where workers or people receiving care are exploited through coercion, control, or deception.

Those exploited include care staff being forced to work excessive hours for low or no pay, having their passports taken, or being threatened to stop them leaving. It can also involve the exploitation of vulnerable adults receiving care, such as being controlled financially or forced into labour or servitude.

In the UK, certain industries are widely recognised as higher risk for modern slavery and labour exploitation because of how work is structured, workforce composition, and supply chain practices.

Examples that frequently appear in risk assessments and enforcement activity include:

• Agriculture, farming and horticulture, where seasonal labour and low margins can create pressure on wages and conditions
• Construction and building trades, with complex subcontracting and transient workforces
• Hospitality and catering, especially in small outlets using agency or temporary staff
• Cleaning and facilities management, where outsourced work and low visibility increase vulnerability
• Waste management and recycling, including manual sorting roles with poor oversight
• Car washes and vehicle valeting, identified by regulators for exploitative labour practices
• Nail and beauty salons, with informal employment arrangements and high use of migrant workers
• Food processing and manufacturing, where long hours and piece-rate work are common
• Transport and logistics, particularly low-paid, agency, or informal driving work

These sectors share characteristics (such as low pay, flexible or informal labour supply chains, multiple subcontracting layers, and limited worker voice) that make modern slavery risks more likely if controls are weak.

Identifying these risks helps businesses prioritise due diligence and monitoring in their own operations and supply chains.

Common signs of modern slavery include:

• Restricted freedom – individuals may appear controlled, rarely leave the workplace or home alone, or have limited access to their own documents.
• Poor living or working conditions – overcrowded accommodation, long working hours, or unsafe environments.
• No control over finances – wages withheld, bank accounts controlled by someone else, or unexplained deductions.
• Signs of fear or intimidation – avoidance of eye contact, reluctance to speak, or appearing frightened of certain people.
• Lack of personal possessions – few belongings, no access to identification, or wearing the same clothes repeatedly.
• Inconsistent stories – explanations about work, travel, or living arrangements that seem scripted or unclear.
• Physical or mental health concerns – signs of neglect, exhaustion, injuries, or untreated medical needs.

These indicators do not confirm modern slavery on their own but may signal that someone is being exploited or controlled.

Modern slavery harms the economy by driving down wages, creating unfair competition, and undermining legitimate businesses.

Exploitative labour lowers costs artificially, allowing unethical operators to undercut compliant employers. It also reduces tax revenue, increases public spending on enforcement and victim support, and damages the reputation of industries and supply chains.

In the long term, modern slavery restricts productivity, weakens labour markets, and contributes to wider economic inequality.

Modern slavery can be tackled through stronger awareness, better protections for vulnerable people, and robust checks on recruitment and supply chains.

Organisations can help prevent exploitation by training employees to recognise risks, carrying out due diligence on suppliers, and adopting clear policies on labour standards.

Ethical recruitment, safe reporting routes such as the Modern Slavery Helpline, and consistent enforcement by authorities all play an important role in identifying, disrupting, and preventing modern slavery.

Modern slavery is a criminal offence in the UK. Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, offences such as slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking are all illegal and carry serious penalties, including substantial prison sentences.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is UK legislation aimed at preventing and prosecuting modern slavery and human trafficking.

The Act brings together offences previously found in earlier laws—such as the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, and the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004—into a single framework. It also strengthens penalties and introduces measures such as enhanced victim protection and prevention orders to disrupt exploitation and safeguard vulnerable people.

The Modern Slavery Act covers the criminal offences of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. It sets out how these crimes are defined, investigated, and prosecuted, and introduces stronger penalties for offenders.

The Act also includes measures for victim protection, prevention orders to restrict exploiters, and transparency requirements for certain businesses to help prevent exploitation in supply chains.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 came into force on 31 July 2015, with some sections, including transparency in supply chains requirements, taking effect slightly later.

In the UK, the punishment for modern slavery offences can be severe.

Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, individuals convicted of slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking can face up to life imprisonment. Courts may also impose fines, confiscate assets gained through exploitation, and issue Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders to restrict further offending.

Penalties aim to punish offenders, deter exploitation, and protect victims.

Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, assets gained through exploitation can be confiscated using Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) powers. This can include:

• Money obtained from trafficking or forced labour
• Property or vehicles used to facilitate exploitation
• Business assets linked to criminal activity
• Any financial gain resulting from modern slavery offences

These confiscation powers are designed to prevent offenders from profiting from exploitation and to support victim compensation where appropriate.

Yes, phones can be confiscated during a modern slavery investigation, but this is done under police powers, not the Modern Slavery Act itself.

Law enforcement can seize mobile phones and other devices under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) if they are believed to contain evidence of offences such as trafficking, coercion, or exploitation.

Phones are often key sources of communications, location data, or financial information relevant to modern slavery cases.

The Modern Slavery Act may apply to your business depending on its size and activities. All UK businesses must comply with the criminal law aspects of the Act, meaning they must not engage in or facilitate exploitation.

However, the transparency in supply chains requirement (Section 54) applies only to commercial organisations that:

• have an annual turnover of £36 million or more, and
• carry on business in the UK.

If your business meets these thresholds, you must publish an annual modern slavery statement. Even if it does not, many smaller organisations choose to adopt modern slavery policies as part of good governance and ethical practice.

Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires certain large businesses to publish an annual modern slavery statement. This statement must explain the steps the organisation has taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within its operations and supply chains.

The requirement applies to commercial organisations with a turnover of £36 million or more that carry on business in the UK. The aim is to increase transparency and encourage businesses to identify and address risks of exploitation.

In the UK, a modern slavery statement is required for any commercial organisation that:

• has an annual turnover of £36 million or more, and
• carries on a business or part of a business in the UK.

This applies to companies, partnerships, and other corporate bodies that meet the threshold, regardless of where they are incorporated.

A modern slavery statement is a public document explaining the steps an organisation has taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within its operations and supply chains.

A modern slavery statement includes information about policies, risk assessments, due diligence processes, staff training, and how the organisation measures the effectiveness of its actions.

The statement must be approved by senior leadership and published on the organisation’s website.

An organisation’s modern slavery statement must be publicly available under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The statement should be placed on the organisation’s website with a clear link on the homepage, so it is easy to locate. If the organisation does not have a website, it must provide the statement to anyone who requests it.

A modern slavery policy is an internal document that sets out an organisation’s commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in its operations and supply chains. It explains the organisation’s stance on exploitation, the responsibilities of staff and suppliers, the processes for reporting concerns, and the measures in place to identify, assess, and reduce risks.

The policy helps ensure consistency, raise awareness, and demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to ethical and legal compliance.

A modern slavery policy is not a legal requirement, but it is considered good practice for any organisation, regardless of size.

For larger businesses that must publish a modern slavery statement under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, having a policy helps demonstrate the steps they are taking to prevent exploitation.

For smaller organisations, a policy supports ethical standards, clarifies expectations for staff and suppliers, and helps identify and manage risks in operations and supply chains.

When auditing a new supplier, red flags for modern slavery risks often relate to how workers are recruited, managed, and paid, rather than to a single obvious sign.

Common red flags include:

• Use of labour-only subcontractors or informal labour providers with little transparency
• Reliance on a third-party agent who controls recruitment, paperwork, accommodation, or wages
• No written employment contracts, or contracts not provided in a language workers understand
• Workers unclear about pay rates, hours, or deductions
• Group transportation of workers to and from sites, especially where movement appears controlled
• Restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement or communication
• Reluctance to allow private worker interviews during audits
• Poor or inconsistent payroll and employment records
• Cash-in-hand payments, excessive recruitment fees, or unexplained wage deductions
• Unrealistically low pricing that does not reflect lawful labour costs
• High staff turnover or frequent unexplained changes in workforce
• Resistance to audits, incomplete documentation, or refusal to disclose subcontracting arrangements

Individually these signs may not prove modern slavery, but patterns or combinations of red flags should trigger further investigation and escalation.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm, you should call the police on 999 straight away. Immediate threats to life or safety must always be treated as an emergency.

If the situation is not an immediate emergency, you should report your concerns to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. The helpline operates 24/7 and can provide advice, take reports confidentially, and pass information to the appropriate authorities.

No. You should not confront a suspected exploiter or a potential victim.

Confronting an exploiter can alert them, escalate the situation, and put the victim (and you) at serious risk. Confronting a potential victim can also be dangerous, as they may be under control, fear retaliation, or not see themselves as a victim.

If you are concerned, the safest action is to report it through the appropriate channels. Call 999 if there is immediate danger or contact the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) for advice and non-emergency reporting. Trained professionals are best placed to assess the situation and act safely.

In the UK, once a potential victim of modern slavery is identified, they are usually referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), which is the government framework for identifying and supporting victims.

The person is given a reflection and recovery period (at least 30 days), during which they are protected from removal from the UK and can access support. This can include safe accommodation, financial assistance, medical care, counselling, and legal advice.

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation where organised crime groups use dedicated phone lines (“deal lines”) to move drugs from urban areas into smaller towns and rural locations. Children and vulnerable adults are often recruited, coerced, or controlled to transport drugs, store them, or collect money.

Yes, County Lines is classed as modern slavery. When children or vulnerable adults are exploited, threatened, groomed, or controlled for criminal gain, this falls under criminal exploitation and is prosecuted using modern slavery legislation.