40.3 million people are being exploited worldwide

(The Global Slavery Index)

600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year

(UN Office on Drugs and Crime)

1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children

(International Labour organisation)

Modern slavery is a term that includes any form of human trafficking, slavery, servitude or forced labour, as set out in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Human trafficking is defined as a process that is a combination of three basic components:

1. Movement (including within the UK)
2. Control, through harm/threat of harm or fraud
3. For the purpose of exploitation

Potential victims of modern slavery in the UK that come to the attention of authorised ‘first responder’ organisations are referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

National Referral Mechanism Statistics

In 2019, 10,627 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the NRM; a 52% increase from 2018.

Just over half of referrals were for individuals who claimed they were exploited as adults, whilst 43% were for individuals who claimed they were exploited as minors.

The most common type of exploitation for both adults and minors was labour exploitation.

Potential victims from the UK, Albania and Vietnam were the three most common nationalities to be referred in the NRM.

UK, Quarter 1 2020 – January to March

In quarter 1 2020, 2,871 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the NRM; a 14% decrease from the previous quarter, but a 33% increase from the same quarter in 2019.

Potential cases referred to Hampshire Constabulary increased to 195 in 2019 against 144 in 2018.

The top 5 countries of origin for adult victims in the UK (taken from the National Referral Mechanism Statistics- End of Year Summary 2019 (National Crime Agency)

1. Albania
2. China
3. UK
4. India
5. Vietnam

The top 5 countries of origin for child victims in the UK (taken from the National Referral Mechanism Statistics- End of Year Summary 2019 (National Crime Agency)

1. UK
2. Vietnam
3. Eritrea
4. Albania
5. Sudan

The Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121700