Modern slavery includes slavery, human trafficking, forced and compulsory labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
A large number of active organised crime groups are involved in modern slavery, but it is also committed by individual opportunistic perpetrators.
Specific public authorities have a duty to notify the Secretary of State of any person identified in England and Wales as a suspected victim of slavery or human trafficking. First Responder organisations currently include:
- Police Forces
- UK Visas and Immigration
- Border Force
- National Crime Agency
- Local Authorities
- Health and Social Care Trusts
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Please refer to the Home Office guidance (opens in a new window) for a full list of First Responder organisations.
