Modern Slavery and Human trafficking
About Modern Slavery
Modern slavery is when people are exploited. Victims can’t leave or say “no.”
They often face threats, violence, coercion, deception, and abuse of power.
Watch the Secret Gardeners. This is an animated short film to raise awareness and tackle the growing issue of Vietnamese children being trafficked to the UK for cannabis cultivation.
In the UK, the Modern Slavery Act came into force in July 2015. It brings together current offences that relate to trafficking and slavery. The act:
- creates two new civil orders to prevent modern slavery
- establishes an Anti-Slavery Commissioner
- makes provision for the protection of modern slavery victims
Our responsibilities
Councils must tell the National Crime Agency about trafficked people. We do this via the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for adults and children.
View our Modern Slavery Act and Human Trafficking Transparency Statement.
Spot the signs of modern slavery
Modern slavery can take many forms:
- human and child trafficking. Sometimes violently, or with false promises of a better life
- forcing people to work, without giving them any money. This could involve setting up bank accounts that victims have no access to
- forcing victims to work to pay off extraordinary debts. This is known as debt bondage
- sexually exploiting victims
- having victims break the law or do criminal work. Like the production of illegal drugs
- forcing people to work in private homes, for little or no pay, and not letting them leave
- stopping victims from accessing their money and personal documents, like their passport. And not letting them contact their loved ones
The signs are often hidden, which makes it very hard to see victims around us. Sometimes they can’t leave a house. Or they rely on their abuser(s) to get around.
Here are some common signs that might suggest someone is a victim of modern slavery:
- physical appearance – they might appear malnourished, have untreated injuries, or show signs of physical abuse
- isolation
- poor living conditions
- few or no personal effects
- restricted freedom of movement
- unusual travel times
- reluctant to seek help
You can help stop human trafficking
If you’re worried that someone might be a victim of human trafficking, speak up. Whether they’re in your place of work, or you see them when you’re out and about.
Safe Car Wash app
Reports suggest that some hand car washes exploit their workers, making as much money as possible without giving fair pay.
Many hand car washes are legitimate businesses. If you visit hand car washes, the Safe Car Wash app will ask you some questions about your experience, determining whether there are signs of modern slavery. If it seems likely that modern slavery is taking place, the app will give you the option to report the car wash to the Modern Slavery Helpline. The police can then access the details of the report.
Just one report can save lives. Download the app from the App Store.
How to report human trafficking
Members of the public who want to report or speak to someone about Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery should contact:
Community Safety Team (Office Hours Only)
- telephone: 01924 306645
- email: communitysafety@wakefield.gov.uk
- out of normal office hours contact: Social Care Direct 0345 8 503 503
If there’s an emergency, a threat to life or criminal activity, call 999.
Information for professionals
If you’re a first responder, you should use The National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This is a Home Office process. It allows potential victims to access support services.
Find out more about the National Referral Mechanism
Partnership Intelligence Portal (PIP)
The Partnership Intelligence Portal (PIP), hosted by West Yorkshire Police, provides a central reporting system for partners and organisations to submit intelligence and information to the Police.
This is not a replacement for the NRM process. But allows you to submit intelligence and information that you have that needs sharing.
We can arrange training for the PIP. Contact communitysafety@wakefield.gov.uk.
Please continue to call 101 to report crime. Or 999 in an emergency.
Training
Training is available through the Wakefield Safeguarding Children's Partnership. It can also be arranged to suit your individual team or service needs. For more information, please contact the Community Safety Team.
Community Safety Team (Office Hours Only)
- telephone: 01924 306645
- email: communitysafety@wakefield.gov.uk