Modern Slavery Training

Modern slavery is a term used to describe situations where individuals are exploited and controlled through threats, coercion, deception or abuse of vulnerability. Victims may be forced to work or carry out activities against their will and may be unable to leave their circumstances because of fear, intimidation or other forms of control.

Modern slavery can take different forms, including forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. It can affect people of any age, gender or nationality and may occur in workplaces, private homes or communities.

In the UK, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 provides the principal legislative framework addressing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.

Modern slavery can take several forms, involving the exploitation and control of individuals through threats, coercion, deception or abuse of vulnerability.

The main forms of modern slavery include:

• Forced labour
• Domestic servitude
• Sexual exploitation
• Criminal exploitation
• Human trafficking

These forms of exploitation can overlap, and victims may experience more than one type of modern slavery. Recognising the different forms can help individuals identify potential exploitation and understand when concerns should be reported.

Modern slavery is a broad term used to describe situations where individuals are exploited through practices such as forced labour, servitude or slavery. Human trafficking is a specific offence involving the arranging or facilitating of another person's travel with a view to their exploitation.

The key difference is that modern slavery focuses on exploitation and control, while human trafficking involves facilitating a person's movement for the purpose of exploitation. Human trafficking does not necessarily involve crossing international borders and can occur entirely within the UK.

Although the two are closely related, they are not interchangeable. A person can experience modern slavery without being trafficked, and human trafficking can occur even if the intended exploitation has not yet taken place.

Modern slavery training is not a universal legal requirement for employees in the UK. However, employers may have legal obligations relating to modern slavery, depending on their organisation's activities and circumstances.

Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, qualifying commercial organisations with an annual turnover of £36 million or more must publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement outlining the steps they have taken to address modern slavery risks in their business and supply chains, or stating that no such steps have been taken.

Although the Act does not make modern slavery awareness training compulsory for all employees, providing training can help organisations raise awareness, recognise potential signs of exploitation and understand how to report concerns

Modern slavery is not always easy to recognise, as victims may be controlled, intimidated or prevented from seeking help. Recognising potential warning signs can help identify individuals who may be experiencing exploitation.

Common signs of modern slavery include:

• Restricted freedom
• Signs of fear or intimidation
• Control of personal documents
• Poor working or living conditions
• Limited independence
• Signs of physical abuse or neglect

Not everyone experiencing modern slavery will display these signs, and a single warning sign does not necessarily confirm exploitation. However, any concerning indicator should be taken seriously and may warrant further action or reporting through appropriate channels.

If you suspect someone may be experiencing modern slavery, it is important to take your concerns seriously and report them through the appropriate channels. You do not need proof that exploitation is taking place before raising a concern.

If you suspect modern slavery, you should:

• Report your concerns: Follow your organisation's safeguarding or reporting procedures where appropriate, providing factual details of what you have observed.
• Contact the police: Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or 101 to report a non-emergency concern.
• Seek specialist advice: Contact the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 for confidential guidance.
• Avoid confronting suspected exploiters: Do not investigate the situation yourself or take actions that could put anyone at risk.

Even if you are uncertain whether modern slavery is occurring, reporting a genuine concern or seeking specialist advice can help protect individuals from exploitation.

Modern slavery can occur within supply chains when workers are exploited by suppliers, subcontractors, recruitment agencies or other businesses involved in providing goods and services. Exploitation can take place at different stages of a supply chain, sometimes without the organisation purchasing the goods or services being aware.

Examples of potential modern slavery risks within supply chains include:

• Forced labour: Workers being made to work through threats, coercion or intimidation.
• Exploitative recruitment practices: Workers being charged excessive recruitment fees or becoming trapped in debt.
• Withheld wages: Workers having their pay unlawfully withheld or controlled by others.
• Restricted freedom: Workers being prevented from leaving their employment or having their identification documents withheld.
• Unsafe working conditions: Workers being subjected to dangerous or exploitative conditions, particularly where threats or coercion prevent them from leaving.

Businesses can help reduce these risks by understanding their supply chains, assessing potential exploitation risks and establishing appropriate procedures for raising and addressing concerns.