Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery

autuMn 2017 ModErn SLAVErY Stay alert to exploitation Adults and children throughout the UK are being trafficked by criminals for the purposes of prostitution or forced labour. Here are the tell-tale signs that it could be happening in a property near you Modern slavery and human trafficking are very real problems, happening right now in our communities. Modern slavery takes many forms from sexual exploitation and prostitution, to unpaid domestic work, forced labour, or making people take part in crime With an estimated 10,000 or more victims in the uK, modern slavery takes many forms. It covers everything from sexual exploitation and prostitution, to unpaid domestic work, forced labour for little or no pay, or making people take part in crime offences that have been consolidated in the Modern slavery Act 2015. We know some of these things are happening here, in the West Midland region. Any business person or employee reading this article might be able to spot some of the signs that slavery or trafficking is happening in or near a business or property with which they have a connection. examples of modern slavery l Forced labour - forcing people to work long hours, for little or no pay, in poor conditions under threats of violence to them or their families l child trafficking under-18s moved into/around the uK to exploit them for work, prostitution or sexual abuse l domestic servitude forcing people to work, usually in private households, doing chores and childcare duties. They may work long hours for little or no pay, and have their freedom restricted l criminal exploitation making people commit crimes, such as pickpocketing, shoplifting, growing cannabis and drug trafficking how to spot modern slavery Victims can be any age, gender, ethnicity or nationality, but key things to look out for are: Credit: Bob Charnley Images: iStock.com / coldsnowstorm l Several unrelated adults living at a single address l People being regularly collected very early in the morning, and/or being returned late If you see at night something suspicious, l Signs of injury or malnourishment, and a call the police on 101 generally untidy appearance or Crimestoppers l Anxious and fearful demeanour people may anonymously on always be accompanied by an interpreter, 0800 555 111. who controls what they say l Isolation from the community l Poor working conditions l Poor health and safety l Women being kept in residences where there are many male visitors l Victims often dont have control of their own passport, papers and bank accounts Modern slavery and human trafficking are very real problems, happening right now in our communities. With an estimated 10,000 or more victims in the uK, modern slavery takes many forms. It covers everything from sexual exploitation and prostitution, to unpaid domestic work, forced labour for little or no pay, or making people take part in crime offences that have been consolidated in the Modern slavery Act 2015. We know some of these things are happening here, in the West Midland region. Any business person or employee reading this article might be able to spot some of the signs that slavery or trafficking is happening in or near a business or property with which they have a connection. examples of modern slavery l Forced labour - forcing people to work long hours, for little or no pay, in poor conditions under threats of violence to them or their families l child trafficking under-18s moved into/around the uK to exploit them for work, prostitution or sexual abuse l domestic servitude forcing people to work, usually in private households, doing chores and childcare duties. They may work long hours for little or no pay, and have their freedom restricted l criminal exploitation making people commit crimes, such as pickpocketing, shoplifting, growing cannabis and drug trafficking how to spot modern slavery Victims can be any age, gender, ethnicity or nationality, but key things to look out for are: l Several unrelated adults living at a single address l People being regularly collected very early in the morning, and/or being returned late at night l Signs of injury or malnourishment, and a generally untidy appearance l Anxious and fearful demeanour people may always be accompanied by an interpreter, who controls what they say l Isolation from the community l Poor working conditions l Poor health and safety l Women being kept in residences where there are many male visitors l Victims often dont have control of their own passport, papers and bank accounts For further information, please contact your local trading Standards Service