What it is
Modern 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 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 with restrictions on freedoms
Possible signs of modern slavery
- Signs of physical or emotional abuse
- Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn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
If you have identified a potential victim of human trafficking or modern slavery
report it now. follow steps 1 – 3 on the referral pathway below. (click to open the PDF)
Thurrock Safeguarding Adults Team: call 01375 659810
or email safeguardingadults@thurrock.gov.uk
Further information:
www.gov.uk – search Modern Slavery
If you have been trafficked into this country to be exploited and need an immigration advisor, go to
www.gov.uk – search for ‘immigration advisor’
Modern Slavery Helpline.org – 0800 012 1700
https://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/