Modern Slavery

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is a serious form of abuse and exploitation. It is an umbrella term that includes human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. It happens when a person is controlled, coerced, deceived or forced into a situation for someone else’s gain.

Modern slavery can affect adults of any age, background or nationality. It may be hidden in homes, communities, care settings or workplaces, and people experiencing exploitation may not always recognise themselves as victims.

Exploitation can take many forms, including:

• Forced labour – being made to work for little or no pay, often in poor or unsafe conditions
• Sexual exploitation – being coerced, deceived or forced into selling sex or engaging in sexual activity
• Domestic servitude – being forced to work in a home environment with little freedom and little or no pay
• Criminal exploitation – being forced to commit crimes such as begging, theft, drug supply or other illegal activity for someone else’s benefit
• Organ harvesting – the removal of organs for financial gain or exploitation

Local information and support

Modern Slavery – Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Local information about modern slavery, community safety and where to go for advice and support in Kensington and Chelsea.

Modern Day Slavery and Exploitation – Westminster City Council
Information on modern slavery and exploitation in Westminster, including local guidance and reporting routes.

How to respond to concerns about modern slavery

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. If the situation is not an emergency, call 101 to report your concerns to the police.

You can also contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 for confidential advice from 8am to 9pm daily. This can help you think through what you have seen, what to do next, and what support may be available.

New resource: SAEB Modern Slavery Checklist
The SAEB has developed a new practical checklist to help professionals recognise possible signs of modern slavery, ask the right questions, and take appropriate action.

SAEB Modern Slavery Checklist
A practical checklist to help professionals identify possible modern slavery, consider immediate risks, and respond appropriately.

Duty to Notify and the National Referral Mechanism

Some public authorities in England and Wales have a legal duty to notify the Home Office when they identify an adult who they suspect may be a victim of modern slavery. For adults, consent is required for a referral into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). If an adult does not consent to an NRM referral, a Duty to Notify referral may still be required. Children do not need to consent and must be referred through the NRM.

Modern slavery – GOV.UK
The main government collection page bringing together current guidance, referral information, Duty to Notify information and wider modern slavery resources.

Modern Slavery Victims: Referral and Assessment Guidance
Government guidance on identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking through the National Referral Mechanism.

Report modern slavery as a first responder
The online reporting route for designated first responders to make National Referral Mechanism referrals and complete Duty to Notify submissions.

Modern slavery is closer than you think
Home Office campaign resources, including posters, wallet cards, a briefing document and awareness materials that can be used in local campaigns and training.

Practical tools and quick resources

Modern Slavery Self-Identification Tool (SIT)
Developed by the Human Trafficking Foundation, this resource helps people recognise signs of exploitation and can support sensitive conversations about possible experiences of modern slavery.

Domestic Servitude in Health Settings
A one-page leaflet for health professionals to help identify domestic servitude and respond to concerns in a health setting.

SAEB 7-minute briefings

Domestic Servitude: 7-Minute Briefing
A concise overview of domestic servitude, key indicators and practical points for professional response.

Cuckooing and Modern Slavery
A short briefing exploring how cuckooing can be linked to exploitation and modern slavery, with signs to look out for and safeguarding considerations.

Modern Slavery Checklist
A quick-reference checklist to support identification, professional curiosity and safe decision-making when modern slavery is suspected.

Sexual Exploitation: 7-Minute Briefing
A brief introduction to adult sexual exploitation, including common indicators, risks and suggested responses.

SAEB learning programme webinars

SAEB | Lunch and Learn Session on Modern Slavery in the Care Sector
A webinar exploring how modern slavery can present in care settings and what professionals need to know to identify and respond to concerns.

Understanding Exploitation of Adults in the Sex Industry
A learning session focused on sexual exploitation, vulnerability, trauma and good practice when supporting adults affected by exploitation.