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Modern

Slavery

Is a serious crime

being committed

across the UK

every day

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Modern slavery is a form of exploitation where people have control over another person and force them to perform work or services. This crime is often hidden. People being exploited in this way may be:

forced to work for an employer, often without pay
held captive at a property and forced to perform domestic tasks
owned by another person, or bought and sold
forced to take part in sexual activities (a form of sexual exploitation)
forced into marriage
forced to take part in criminal activities, such as transporting or selling drugs
moved against their will to places where they can be exploited - known as human trafficking

Human trafficking is a factor in some but not all cases of modern slavery.

Human trafficking is when a person is moved so that they can be exploited. This may be movement within a country, from one city to another or even just a few streets away. It may also be international movement.

Victims of human trafficking can be men, women and children. A person is still a victim of human trafficking if they haven't been exploited yet, but they have been moved so they can be exploited.

A dimly lit group of mixed youths all in white t-shirts standing and staring solemnly into the camera.

Close up of woman's face with sad and tearful eyes.

Modern slavery is a crime. Descriptions of the offences are set out in:

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Victims are targeted due to their vulnerabilities

Victims may be picked because they:

have limited access to education
have immigration status
have a difficult family background
are underage (children)
have mental health problems
have a drug or alcohol dependency
are homeless or experience poverty
have instability in their lives from natural disaster or war

People who are enslaved will often have restrictions placed on their freedom. They may be denied access to money, possessions and experience. They may be abused or threatened with abuse.

Modern slavery can happen to anyone, whatever their nationality, ethnicity, gender and age. People may be enslaved by criminal organisations or people close to them, such as family, friends, partners or employers. It is a hidden crime – the person being exploited may feel too afraid to tell anyone that they are being exploited, and their exploitation may be hidden from public view.

Modern slavery and human trafficking is happening in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Hotspots include the tourism and hospitality industries, construction sites, nail bars and car washes.

Hotels and holiday lets may be used to house people whilst they are being exploited.

As a hidden crime, our knowledge of modern slavery happening locally is still developing.

Places where modern slavery can take place include:

businesses such as car washes, nail bars and restaurants
construction sites
agricultural sites
hotels and rented properties – these might, for example, be used for sexual exploitation

A vulnerable child or adult might be a victim of exploitation if they:

appear to be under the control of someone else
are reluctant to communicate with other people
have no personal identification (ID) such as a passport or identity card
don't have many personal belongings, wear the same clothes or wear clothes that are unsuitable for their work
seem frightened or withdrawn
show signs of being abused
leave or enter properties in the same way (for example always being picked up and dropped off in a vehicle), often at unusual times

Why do victims of exploitation stay in these situations?

There are many reasons why victims of modern slavery might stay in exploitative situations. They might:

be afraid of threats of harm to them or their loved ones
be held against their will
have had their ID and money taken away
have no support for or awareness of their rights
have no one to trust and no way to challenge their situation
have a language barrier or be afraid of approaching others

Modern Slavery is happening in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – we all have a role to play in stopping it. If you are concerned that someone is being exploited help is available.

International care worker support

International care workers are vital to providing quality care to those in need in the UK. However, some care providers have acted unethically, which has led to their sponsor licence being revoked. We're aware that this has left many international care workers without jobs and facing uncertainty.

If your sponsor's licence has been revoked, the International care worker support guide can provide important information on the support available to you.

How to access support

To access support you must email the regional hub for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area at:

commissioning.swadass@swcouncils.gov.uk

Your email should include:

your name
the address where you currently live
your contact details
the name of the provider sponsoring your visa

It is important that your regional contact has the correct information about you so that they can provide the best possible support without delay.

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Reporting an employer for unethical practices

If you need to report an employer for unethical or illegal business practices, you can do so through the organisations listed below.

Home Office

Report an immigration or border crime to the Home Office. This can be done anonymously.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Contact the CQC if you have concerns about the standards of quality and safety of care where you work.

Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)

Report labour providers if you are concerned their workers are being exploited or abused.

Acas

Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. They also offer training and help to resolve disputes.

Additional support - International worker support organisations

Citizens advice

For free advice on employment, housing and visa issues visit their website or call their helpline: 0800 1448848

UK Health and Social Care Professional Trade Unions

GOV.UK has a list of professional trade unions and associations for the health and social care sector. Joining one of these organisations can get you access to advice, legal services and advocacy.