Modern day Slavery
Modern Day 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 day 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
Signs of modern day 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- Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn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 with restrictions on freedoms.
Other forms of exploitation include organ removal; forced begging; forced benefit fraud; forced marriage and illegal adoption
Modern day slavery and human trafficking are notoriously difficult crimes to deal with in terms of safeguarding and are far less visible than other forms of abuse. These crimes primarily rely on identification and an understanding of how to support individuals /groups through safe enquiry.
The National Referral Mechanism
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
The process for reporting victims to the NRM scheme and the local authority safeguarding duties are clearly defined in the National referral mechanism guidance: adult (England and Wales) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Other resources:
Services Directory for Modern Slavery Survivors in Greater Manchester
RBSAB 7 minute briefing
RBSAB Training - Modern Slavery Workbook
Modern Slavery Awareness booklet (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Modern Slavery Helpline
Modern slavery and human trafficking - National Crime Agency
Modern slavery | Local Government Association