Anti-Slavery Day: 18 October

Posted on October 17, 2024

Anti-Slavery Day takes place every year on the 18th October.

What is Anti-Slavery Day?

It is estimated that there are now 50 million people living in conditions of modern slavery, an increase of 10 million people since the Global Slavery Index was published in 2018.  Global issues such as conflict, climate change and authoritarian regimes have increased risks, leaving people more vulnerable to exploitation.

In 2010, an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom introduced a national day to raise awareness of the issue and need to eradicate all forms of slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.  Every year on this day businesses, governments, civil society and individuals continue to shine a light on this issue.

UK Figures

Although the UK is a developed economy, with rigorous checks and balances in place the number of people identified as victims of modern slavery has been rising year on year, with over 12,000 people referred to the authorities in 2021.  The real number of people trapped in slavery is estimated to be much higher – more than 130,000 people – and is estimated to cost the UK £33 billion per year.

Case Study

This year it was revealed that a franchise of the biggest fast-food chain in the world, McDonalds, failed to spot that those in their employment had been forced to work by human traffickers.  In this case victims had their wages paid into bank accounts in other people’s names.  One account received over £215,000 from multiple wage packets.  Gang members sat in on interviews posing as translators and victims worked extreme shift patterns, with one working a 70 to 100 hours a week, while another worked a 30-hour shift – a big indicator of forced labour, according to the UN’s International Labour Organization.  Many of the employees had the same registered address and nine victims lived in the same terraced home.

Employers Duties to Prevent Illegal Working

Employers have an important role to play in ensuring that their employees have the right to work in the UK.  They do this by undertaking the simple 3 step Right to Work check. These steps are:

1. Obtain original document(s) specified in the Home Office’s published acceptable documents list.
2. Check the validity of the documents against the holder.
3. Retain copies of the documents and note the date on which the check was made.

In addition to manual Right to Work checks, employers can use the following online services.  Since January 2019, these can be used to obtain a statutory excuse against a civil penalty in the event of illegal working involving the subject of the check.

• Using Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) via the services of an IDSP (British and Irish citizens only).
• Home Office online Right to Work check (non-British and non-Irish citizens).

Spotting the Signs of Modern Slavery

Here are few signs to look out for.  Someone in slavery might:

• Appear to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others.
• Have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day or wear unsuitable clothes for work.
• Not be able to move around freely, and they may not have access to personal identification.
• Be reluctant to talk to strangers or officials including police officers or health workers.
• Appear frightened or withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse.
• Be dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times – very early or late at night.
• They work excessively long hours and seldom, if ever, have days off.

What to do if you Spot the Signs?

If you suspect that someone is in slavery, DO NOT confront them or cause a scene as this will likely lead to increased harm for them.  Instead, inform relevant authorities or organisations working in the field.

• Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or fill out an online form.
• Contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to report concerns about the mistreatment of workers on 0800 432 0804, or by email [email protected].

Assistance with Modern Slavery

If you require support or assistance, please contact Courtley H&S on 0151 545 0497.  Our friendly experts are here to help.  For non-urgent advice or support, please email [email protected].