Modern Slavery in the UK: Record Levels and an Alarming Outlook

Modern slavery in the UK has reached record levels and could worsen over the next decade, warns the independent anti-slavery commissioner. See key findings.

A new warning from the government's independent anti‑slavery commissioner paints a stark picture: modern slavery in the UK is at record levels and is likely to worsen over the next decade. The commissioner highlighted a sharp rise in referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the system that identifies potential victims and connects them to support.

Referrals to the NRM have almost doubled in the last five years, signaling a growing crisis in human trafficking and exploitation. The NRM plays a critical role in assessing whether an individual is a victim of modern slavery and in arranging essential services such as shelter, legal help, and medical care. The surge in cases has stretched support services and raised concerns about the capacity of frontline agencies to respond effectively.

Modern slavery takes many forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation. Economic pressures, organized criminal networks, irregular migration, and gaps in regulation and enforcement all contribute to the increase. Victims often endure severe abuse and face barriers to seeking help, such as fear, isolation, or lack of awareness about available support.

The commissioner’s report urges urgent action across government, law enforcement, and civil society. Recommendations emphasize strengthening victim support, improving identification and referral processes, increasing funding for specialist services, and enhancing labour and immigration enforcement to disrupt exploitative practices. Better data collection and inter-agency cooperation are also essential to track trends and target resources where they are most needed.

Public awareness and employer responsibility are vital components of any effective response. Businesses must strengthen supply‑chain transparency and ensure workers are protected, while the public can play a role by reporting suspicious activity and supporting charities that assist victims.

Addressing modern slavery in the UK will require sustained political will, investment in victim services, and coordinated action at local, national, and international levels. With referrals nearly doubling in five years and a bleak decade anticipated, policymakers and communities must act now to protect vulnerable people and prevent exploitation.

For those seeking help, support services and helplines are available through the NRM and specialist organisations that provide confidential assistance to potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery.

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