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Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery – What is it?

Modern slavery takes many forms. Forced or compulsory labour is a common element of modern slavery, although the tasks people are forced to conduct may not be considered as traditional labour.

The types of modern slavery include:

  • Human trafficking – the moving of a person with the intention of exploiting them
  • Forced labour – being forced to work long hours with little or no pay and without typical workplace protections
  • Sexual exploitation, such as escort work, prostitution and pornography
  • Debt bondage – being forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to
  • Domestic servitude – being held within a home against your will perform domestic chores and childcare duties for little or no pay with restrictions on freedoms.

Possible signs of modern slavery

Signs of modern slavery are:

  • Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn
  • Isolation from the community, seeming under the control or influence of others
  • Living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and/or living and working at the same address
  • Lack of personal effects or identification documents such as a Passport
  • Always wearing the same clothes
  • Avoiding of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers
  • Fear of the police and people in authority
  • Always being accompanied by another adult
  • Unable to contact their friends or family
  • Working very long hours and always being ‘on call’
  • Denied access to food, water, medicine, medical treatment or sleep

Referral pathway/guidance documents

If you have identified a potential victim of human trafficking or modern slavery report it now.

National referral mechanism pathway for potential adult and child victims of modern slavery – This pathway was designed by the Thurrock Local Safeguarding Childrens Partnership and the Thurrock Safeguarding Adults Board.

National Referral Mechanism (NRM and DtN) – There is a duty on public authorities to notify the Home Office where modern slavery is encountered. NRM Support Leaflet

Modern slavery awareness guide – A useful guide by the Home Office to assist a range of public sector professionals to identify potential victims of modern slavery.

SET Modern Slavery Guidance – Guidance on recognising signs of modern slavery and what to do about it.

Modern slavery – One minute guide – A two page summary of modern slavery.

Thurrock modern slavery strategy – The refreshed modern slavery strategy sets out Thurrock's approach to tackling modern slavery.

Support organisations

  • Unseen – Unseen is a UK charity. They provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. They also run the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and work with individuals, communities, business, governments, other charities and statutory agencies to stamp out slavery for good.
  • Salvation army – The Salvation Army provides specialist support for all adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales. The confidential referral helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24/7.
  • British Red Cross – They focus on giving people who have been trafficked neutral and provide impartial information about all their possible options so they can make informed decisions on what to do next.
  • A21 – One of the largest organizations in the world that is solely fighting human trafficking.
  • Migrant help – Supporting people affected by displacement and exploitation.
  • National Crime Agency – The National Crime Agency leads the UK’s fight to cut serious and organised crime, protecting the public by targeting and pursuing those criminals who pose the greatest risk to the UK.

Modern slavery resources/leaflets/posters

Stop the Traffik – Resources on spotting signs as well as leaflets and posters. 

Closer than you think – A government campaign with posters available in different languages.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority  – (GLAA) has produced videos and leaflets in different languages. 

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority – Seasonal worker video informs seasonal workers about their employment rights and what to expect on UK farms and has been subtitled into another 10 languages.

The Independent Anti Slavery Commissioner – (IASC) has collated a range of resources and also produced videos on modern slavery.

Modern slavery training

Modern slavery awareness (via Teams)

There are a range of free e-learning courses on modern slavery and human trafficking:

  1. 45-minute human trafficking awareness e-learning course for overseas law enforcement and other stakeholders. This course can be used in any region of the world to help frontline staff understand, identify and respond effectively to human trafficking at the border.
  2. 30-minute e-learning course for travel industry staff and other stakeholders on how to spot the signs of modern slavery. This course is specifically for situations relating to people travelling to and from the UK, and how to refer concerns to UK Border Force or the police.
  3. Elearning for healthcare has produced a 30 minute e-learning package free to all healthcare professionals.
  4. Child victims of modern slavery e-learning. The course covers child specific indicators of modern slavery.

Worried about an adult? 01375 511000

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