This Anti-Slavery Day, learn the signs of modern slavery

There are an estimated 122,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK. This Anti-Slavery Day, CHAS outlines the red flags to watch out for

On Anti-Slavery Day, businesses are reminded to stay vigilant about modern slavery and watch for signs of exploitation in their supply chains.

Analysis from the Centre for Social Justice estimated in 2022 there were at least 100,000 victims in the UK, with the number likely to be much higher.

Unseen UK, an organisation dedicated to fighting modern slavery, found that construction accounted for more than a fifth of calls to their labour exploitation helpline, with a further 13% of labour abuse cases raised through the helpline also involving the building industry.

Signs of modern slavery to watch out for:

• Evidence of being controlled by someone else: Victims of forced labour are often tightly controlled or threatened by their ’employers’. They may be escorted to and from work or the shops and often be forced to work excessively long hours without breaks or time off. They might also be reluctant to interact with others, particularly police or other authorities.
• Personal belongings and appearance: Victims might have limited personal belongings, including mobile phones or personal identification such as passports. Without access to laundry facilities or financial means to buy new ones, their clothes may appear dirty or worn and unsuitable for work.
• Suspicious working conditions: Unusual or hazardous working conditions, such as workers being locked inside a workplace, may indicate forced labour. Workers may also be denied proper safety equipment, such as appropriate PPE, increasing their risk of injury or health issues.
• Signs of physical and psychological abuse: Forced labour victims might show signs of malnourishment due to lack of food and poor nutrition. They may be being physically abused and regularly display injuries such as bruising or unhealed wounds. Symptoms of psychological abuse can include anxiety, criminal behaviour, depression and fear.

Remember that the presence of one or more of these red flags does not necessarily indicate slavery, but it should raise suspicion and prompt further investigation. Anti-Slavery Day seeks to raise awareness of these signs and one day eradicate all forms of exploitation.

Resources and helplines are available to businesses and victims of modern slavery

CHAS offers a variety of free resources including videos, e-learning, toolbox talks, practical toolkits and templates to help businesses tackle modern slavery.

To find out more, call 0345 521 9111 or visit www.chas.co.uk.

If you are a victim of modern slavery or have witnessed exploitation, you can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline online here, or call 08000 121 700.