Modern slavery and human trafficking

Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced labour.

Modern Slavery is real; it is a hidden crime happening in our communities, often in plain sight. Modern slavery can occur in many places including, but not exhaustively, restaurants and takeaways, hotels, car washes, factories, nail bars and private homes.

Anyone can become a victim of modern slavery - women, men, girls or boys. It is a crime that affects British victims as well as those trafficked into the UK. Potential Victims are controlled and may be transported either short distances or across continents, to be forced into jobs they do not want to do. There are a number of different types of exploitation that victims of modern slavery may be subjected to; often victims experience more than one at the same time. The most common types are:

  • Sexual exploitation
  • Domestic servitude
  • Labour exploitation
  • Forced criminality
  • Organ harvesting
  • Debt bondage

Other types of exploitation include:

  • Forced or sham marriage
  • Financial exploitation

Human trafficking has three elements:

  1. The Act - What is done, e.g. recruitment, transportation, harbouring or receipt of persons.
  2. The Means - How it is done, e.g. threat or use of force, coercion, fraud etc.
  3. The Purpose - Why it is done, e.g. to exploit a person.

Modern slavery has just two elements:

  1. The means
  2. The Purpose

Modern slavery statement

Kirklees Council recognises it has an important role to play in tackling modern slavery.

The purpose of the modern slavery statement is to highlight the actions Kirklees Council will take to identify and assess risk as well as take steps to prevent any occurrence of modern slavery within its supply chains, procurement activity and council business. This statement highlights our current actions as well as our aspirations for the future.

Modern slavery strategy

This has been produced to drive forward collaborative working, with the aim of tackling this issue. Our approach focuses on raising awareness, intervening early and taking action against perpetrators wherever necessary, whilst safeguarding any potential victims.

Spot the signs

There are many indicators that could suggest that an individual may be victim. Guidance on how to spot the signs and short films are available on the following links:

Find out how to spot the signs about the different types of exploitation .

Report Modern Slavery

If you have a suspicion that something isn't right and either an adult or child may be a potential victim, it is important that you report it. No matter how small the piece of information may be it could be essential in building up a picture and safeguarding a potential victim.

Call 999 if a crime is happening now or you or the potential victim is in immediate danger.

Report it to the Modern slavery helpline

Other ways to report

Help for victims

If you are identified as a victim of slavery, then you will be entitled to help and protection from the UK government. This is called the National Referral Mechanism . The National Referral Mechanism is the framework for identifying potential victims and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.

Individuals identified as potential victims of modern slavery are entitled to a minimum recovery and reflection period of 45 days. As part of this, care and support is provided by the Salvation Army .

Contact Safer Kirklees

Was this information helpful?