The number of potential modern slavery victims reported last year rose by a third in just three months, according to Home Office data. But experts are warning survivors face scepticism rather than support.
In another article we examined the growing crisis in modern slavery in the UK. Here we look at how social care practitioners can recognise and combat the problem of modern slavery.
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery refers to the exploitation of people who are unable to leave their situation due to threats, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. Although it doesn’t always resemble historical slavery, it involves severe loss of freedom and dignity.
There is no ‘typical’ victim of modern slavery. Victims can be men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds. Victims may enter the UK legally or on forged documentation. They may also be a UK citizen living in the UK who is forced into slavery.
Modern slavery covers a range of exploitation including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labour, debt bondage, domestic servitude, criminal activities, child labour, child sexual exploitation, and forced and early marriage.
How can social care professionals recognise the signs of modern slavery?
The UK’s Modern Slavery Statutory Guidance provides information for professionals who may encounter potential victims about common indicators of modern slavery.
Physical indicators
The following signs may suggest a person is being controlled, exploited or prevented from leaving:
- Unexplained injuries or signs of untreated medical issues.
- Poor hygiene, undernourishment or signs of neglect.
- Appearing exhausted, overworked or deprived of sleep.
Psychological indicators
Victims often experience trauma that shows in their behaviour, such as:
- Appearing fearful, anxious, or withdrawn, especially around supervisors or accompanying individuals.
- Showing confusion, memory issues or inconsistent stories due to coercion or fear.
- A reluctance to speak or dependence on someone else to answer for them.
Situational indicators
Red flags in how a person’s work or living situation is arranged, such as:
- Being under the control of another person, such as someone who insists on speaking on their behalf.
- No access to personal documents (passport, ID, bank card) because someone else is holding them.
- Working excessively long hours, with little or no pay, often in poor conditions.
- Being transported to and from work in groups, especially at odd hours, and not knowing their home or work address.
Environmental indicators
Clues in the wider environment or workplace setup, such as:
- Overcrowded or substandard accommodation, sometimes with unrelated adults sharing rooms.
- Signs that the workplace has high turnover, secrecy or locked/controlled areas.
- Workplaces where workers seem isolated from the public or prevented from interacting freely.
Behavioural/social indicators
How the person behaves socially can also signal exploitation, for example:
- Limited social interaction: victims may be rarely seen outside work.
- Showing loyalty or fear toward a controller or repeating rehearsed explanations.
- Lack of knowledge about their rights, location, or living arrangements.
What action can social care professionals take to combat modern slavery?
Identify and recognise potential victims
Social care practitioners must remain alert to physical, psychological, situational and environmental indicators of modern slavery.
Those who work with vulnerable individuals must know how to spot the signs and respond effectively.
Work in multi‑agency partnerships
Modern slavery cannot be tackled alone. The Modern Slavery Statutory Guidance stresses the need for collaborative partnerships between social care, police, immigration, voluntary sector, housing and health services. These partnerships help identify victims, coordinate safeguarding and ensure access to rights and entitlements.
Make a referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
Social care professionals may act as First Responders, responsible for gathering initial information without putting the victim at further risk and referring potential victims to the NRM.
Provide trauma‑informed ongoing support
Victims may require long‑term, specialist care. Social care professionals must adopt dignity‑led, compassionate, trauma‑informed methods to support recovery.
Promote awareness and prevention
Social care teams can help prevent exploitation by:
- Educating service users and communities about risks and rights.
- Working with local partners to reduce vulnerability, especially among at‑risk groups such as children, migrants, rough sleepers and people with learning difficulties.
- Encouraging organisations to adopt improved policies, training and continuous improvement in line with updated modern slavery guidance.
Document, report and escalate concerns
Professionals must keep accurate, confidential records, escalate concerns through safeguarding routes and ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, including risk assessment and monitoring obligations.
Meeting the growing threat
Modern slavery remains a significant and growing threat in the UK. Without vigilant identification and decisive action from adult social care professionals, it will remain unseen - and countless more individuals will continue to suffer in silence.
Bond Solon’s one-day Modern Slavery course aims to help professionals understand what modern slavery is, who is affected, how to spot the signs and how to respond effectively.