What is Modern Slavery? | Our Working Way Staff Hub

We'll be launching a Modern Slavery Training Module in PAL in the coming month, which includes how to spot the signs of modern slavery and the steps to take if you suspect you've witnessed something suspicious. GC's Modern Slavery Reporting Procedure can be found here and here are details of the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline.

We also have a Modern Slavery Action Group which meets regularly to co-ordinate our efforts against modern slavery across GC. If you are interested in learning more, or joining the group, please get in touch with Kelly.edwards@growthco.uk or Matthew.richardson@growthco.uk

This blog post from Matt Richardson, GC's Social Value lead, explains the different types of modern slavery:

What is Modern Slavery?

By Matt Richardson, GC Social Value Lead

Modern slavery is something that nobody expects to still exist, however it very much does and is unfortunately on the rise. Anti-Slavery International defines it as 'when an individual is exploited by others, for personal or commercial gain, whether tricked, coerced, or forced, they lose their freedom'. When I speak about modern slavery, I am often met with, "is that a thing?” or “surely that can’t be taking place?” Yet, forms and examples of modern slavery will often be all around us. From the clothes we wear and the digital tech we use, to workers that we may walk past on our daily commutes.

In many cases, it occurs through individuals aiming to escape poverty, instability and/or security. Instead, they are exploited through organised crime and unethical and inhumane business practices.

Before the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act in 2015, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) received an ongoing increase in cases of modern slavery. Reported through the NRM and local police reporting figures. In addition, the UK Government released its end-of-year summary of modern slavery activity in 2021 – which stated that over 12,000 potential victims were reported to the Home Office that year. Experts predict this figure, in general, reached or potentially exceeded 100,000 that same year.

This correlates with an increasing awareness of modern slavery across public and private sectors – again, evidence-backed globally by Unseen. They state that 24 million of the 28 million victims globally are exploited in the private sector through domestic work, construction, and agriculture.

What are types of Modern Slavery?

Modern slavery and exploitation can come in various forms. Some of these may feel closer to home than others, but awareness of some of the more common forms can hopefully provide an understanding of the activity that may be taking place.

Human trafficking The use of violence, threats or coercion to transport, recruit, or harbour people to exploit them for purposes such as forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage, or organ removal.
Forced labour Any work or services people are forced to do against their will, usually under the threat of punishment.
Debt bondage/bonded labour The world’s most widespread form of slavery, where people trapped in poverty borrow money and are forced to work to pay off the debt, losing control over their employment conditions and the debt.
Descent–based slavery is an ancient form of slavery where people are treated as property; their “slave” status has been passed down the maternal line.
Child slavery is when a child is exploited for someone else’s gain. This can include child trafficking, child soldiers, child marriage and child domestic slavery.
Forced and early marriage When someone is married against their will and cannot leave, most child marriages can be considered slavery.
Domestic servitude Domestic work and domestic servitude are not always classed as slavery. When regulated, it can be an essential source of income for many people. However, whilst working in another person’s home, some people may be particularly vulnerable to abuses, exploitation, and slavery, as they might be hidden from sight and lack legal protection.

Please think about the human element of business decisions and how far your business can positively impact colleagues, suppliers, and customers to feel secure and build trust. There's significant research on why companies are becoming more environmentally and socially conscious. For balance, some are not always for the right reasons, but that conversation may be for another time.

Knowing that your business, suppliers, and partners are aligned regarding their views and activities relating to secure, thriving working practices can provide some peace of mind. Taking the time to do the due diligence, upskill colleagues and suppliers and build strong partnerships with specialist organisations can help your business no end. Modern slavery does not discriminate; it can happen in any workplace, city and at any time. Set some time aside to understand more about this topic and utilise the links and resources below.

Further Reading