How to Spot Signs of Modern Slavery

Modern slavery can be described as the exploitation of people for commercial or personal gain and it is your responsibility as an employer to understand how to spot the signs of modern slavery and take steps to prevent it within your organisation.

In this series, we’ll look at modern slavery in the UK today, how to spot the signs and what you should be doing as an employer to prevent modern slavery in your operations.

It is really a problem today?

The truth is sadly, yes.  It is estimated that every year around 136,000 people in the UK alone are victims of modern slavery, with fewer than 10,000 cases per year ever being recorded.

What can I do to prevent Modern Slavery?

Criminals operating in modern slavery are getting smarter, but there are key signs you can look for and due diligence tactics you should cover as a responsible employer.

Firstly, think about the employee’s documentation.

• Do they have their own passport and can they access it easily?
• Can they provide their own “Right to work” documentation?
• Do their forms of identification look genuine?

Next, scrutinise their personal data.

• Is their address registered to them / family / registered landlord or agent?
• Are their wages being paid directly to them and do they have full access to these funds?

Finally, conduct due diligence of 3^rd party labour agencies.

• Understand what internal checks they conduct and review their modern slavery statement to fully understand what steps they are taking to prevent modern slavery
• Ensure you know how frequently they review and update the information held on their employees
• What proof do they provide that they are paying their staff legally, and as promised in your commercial relationship?

So, you’re happy with the identity checks, what about other signs?

Look for physical signals that may suggest they are victims of slavery.

• Is there evidence of physical abuse; signs such as bruising or broken bones might be obvious, but also think about more subtle signs such as malnutrition and starvation
• Do you have concerns over their safety or wellbeing, have you witnessed signs of verbal abuse towards the subject?
• Does their behaviour suggest any abuse or coercion relating to their job?
• Are they free to speak for themselves or do they look for approval or confirmation from someone else before speaking?  Do they defer to someone else to speak on their behalf?
• Do they appear to be under the control of someone else, and are reluctant to interact with others?
• Do they act suspiciously when asked about their circumstances or when discussing personal details?

Remember:  If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.

Who can you turn to?

If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking contact one of the following;

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) – 0800 432 0804

Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111

Modern Slavery Helpline – 08000 121700

The Police – 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

Criminals are getting more sophisticated and often victims of modern slavery are now “hidden in plain sight”.  We need to work together to ensure we look out for and report on any suspicious activity.

 Next up>>> Preparing a Modern Slavery Statement

If your company needs HR support, including preparing a modern slavery statement, Vero HR can help. We can provide you with dedicated HR support services to effectively manage your workforce and assist with your organisation’s HR requirements. Contact us to find out how we can help.