Understanding modern slavery and managing your supply chain training day
Combatting modern slavery, understanding modern slavery and ways to remove it from your supply chain. Including the Modern Slavery Act – section 54 that requires organisations to prepare an annual slavery and human trafficking statement
Modern slavery remains one of the most pressing yet often overlooked human rights issues in the United Kingdom. Despite strong legal frameworks and growing public awareness, thousands of individuals continue to be exploited in hidden corners of society.
The pressure is on larger companies to identify, report on and remove human rights and environmental abuse from their supply chains. This demands businesses and organisations and cascade the same duties and responsibilities to their suppliers through supply contracts and train staff to be aware of the problem and be more focused on identifying potential issues.
Many companies, organisations and individuals unknowingly support modern slavery by buying materials and products that have been manufactured, packed or shipped with the use of modern day slaves.
Our lively one-day CPD workshop highlights the problem, the legislation and what can be done to combat modern slavery across the organisations supply chain.
Latest UK Modern Slavery Statistics (2025–2026)
Recent data highlights a record-breaking rise in identified victims:
- In 2025, 23,411 potential victims were referred to the UK’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM), a 22% increase from 2024 and the highest figure ever recorded
- In 2024, 19,125 victims were referred, already a record at the time
- Adults made up 70% of referrals, while children accounted for 30%
- 74% of victims were male, showing a continuing gender imbalance
- The most common type of exploitation was labour exploitation (36%), particularly among adults
While referrals are increasing, experts stress this may reflect better identification rather than a simple rise in crime. However, the scale remains significant.
Estimated Total Victims
- Estimates suggest over 100,000 people in the UK may be living in modern slavery
- Some analyses place the figure closer to 130,000 victims, showing the vast hidden nature of the issue
The modern slavery act was enacted in March 2015 to help fight against slavery and social injustice. It simplified and unified previous legislation and gave new powers for enforcement. It also placed a duty on larger business, which under the Education Reform Act 1988 will include many FE Colleges and Universities, to eradicate slavery from their global supply chains. This includes the publication of a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year.
as above is increasingly important for ethical, legal and contractual reasons that all businesses and organisations take pro-active action to remove human rights abuse throughout their supply chains and ensure their staff receive regular updates on company policies, procedures and the signs of potential abuse. This high quality affordable workshop help raise the profile and develop ideas for audit and prevention.
For Whom?
This one-day course is designed for managers and those who may be tasked with cascading key information to staff. A reduced 3 hour workshop, designed to run twice in one-day, is available for direct delivery to staff where needed.
Modern Slavery Training Aims and Objectives
Participants will:-
- Define Modern Slavery
- Examine the six main forms of Modern Slavery
- Consider UK and Global facts & figures
- Think about why victims stay hidden
- Talk about spotting the signs victims often show
- Consider the Requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Probe the Act’s requirements for the Supplier Chain
- Determine benefits from a well-managed chain relationship within the Act
- Reflect on what can happen with non-compliance
- Discuss proactive steps in the identification and management of risks in the supplier chain
- Benchmark best practice
- Look at ways of securing staff & supplier commitment
- Consider audits and KPI’s
- Review where applicable, the clients own Modern Slavery Statement, Policies and Code of Practice
- Briefly look at other related laws and agencies
- Identify sources of further information and support
Modern Slavery Training course Content
Introduction – Historical Focus – Modern Definitions
- 1863 to date!
- Definitions of Modern Slavery and Servitude
- The six main types of Modern Slavery
- Latest facts and figures
- Breaking News
Risk Areas – Highest Risk Of Slavery
- 10 Top Countries
- 20 Products
- 10 specific industries and sectors
- Four types of job
- Latest facts and figures
- Breaking News
The Victim – Spotting the Signs – Barriers
- What are the common behaviour signs in the exploited or slave worker?
- Why are victims often reluctant to report abuse?
- Latest facts and figures
- Breaking News
Modern Slavery Act – Legal and Organisational framework – Other Laws
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015 – an overview
- The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner – role, remit and strategic priorities
- Introduction to Section 54 of Modern Slavery Act – Supply Chains
- Responses to Section 54
- Other related Laws and Agencies including:-
- Care Act 2014
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Equality Act 2006
- Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Immigration and Asylum Act 2016
- Breaking News
There are some points of divergence but many more points of convergence with analogous & devolved legislation in Northern Ireland and Scotland. This will be made clear during the workshop
Modern Slavery Act – Section 54 – Explained
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act says larger organisations must outline the steps they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its own organisation or any of its supply chains. Many smaller organisations and business will want to comply too for ethical and/or contractual purposes.
- Benefits from full compliance with Section 54
- Dangers with non-compliance
- Benchmarking using FTSE Index – Top UK Companies – Section 54
- The Section 54 Statement
- The your organisations response and policy
- Your organisation’s Policies, Procedures, Code of Conduct and Expected Protocols
- Risk Assessments
- Country Risks
- Business Partnerships Risks
- Transaction Risks
- Industry and Sectoral Risks
- Types of Worker
- Industry and Sectoral Risks
- Other risks for workers – gang exploitation
- “Tricks of their Trade”
- Spotting the Tricksters
- Due Diligence
- Live Case Study – Blue Chip Company
- 11 other case studies signposted
- Key Performance Indicators, your organisation and benchmarking other PI’s used in the sector
- Auditing
- Monitoring and Reviewing
Gaining buy in and Support from Staff, Subcontractors and Partner Organisations
Throughout the preceding five modules on this course, participants are asked to capture ideas for actively addressing Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act and these will be translated into action plans in the final session.
Finally this session concludes the training with an open discussion of how best to cascade the knowledge and information to staff, supplier, sub-contractors and partner organisation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Slavery in the UK
What Is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is an umbrella term that includes human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. Victims are controlled through threats, coercion, debt bondage, or deception, and are often unable to leave their situation freely.
In the UK, modern slavery can affect both foreign nationals and British citizens. It occurs across multiple sectors, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, nail bars, and even private homes.
What is The Scale of Modern Slavery in the UK?
While exact figures are difficult to determine due to the hidden nature of the crime, official estimates suggest that tens of thousands of people in the UK may be living in conditions of modern slavery. Reports from support organisations and government referrals indicate a steady rise in identified cases over recent years.
This increase is not necessarily a sign that slavery is growing—it may also reflect improved awareness and reporting. However, it underscores the scale and complexity of the issue.
What are the Key Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to modern slavery in the UK:
- Economic vulnerability: Poverty and lack of opportunity make individuals more susceptible to exploitation.
- Migration and displacement: People fleeing conflict or seeking better opportunities are often targeted by traffickers.
- Lack of awareness: Victims may not recognise they are being exploited or may fear authorities.
- Organised crime networks: Criminal groups profit significantly from forced labour and trafficking.
What are the Common Forms of Exploitation?
Modern slavery manifests in different ways across the UK:
- Labour exploitation: Workers forced to work long hours for little or no pay.
- Sexual exploitation: Individuals coerced into prostitution or other sexual activities.
- Criminal exploitation: Victims forced to commit crimes, such as drug trafficking or theft.
- Domestic servitude: Individuals working in private homes under abusive conditions.
What are the Warning Signs of Modern Slavery?
Recognising the signs can help save lives. Some common indicators include:
- Individuals who appear fearful, withdrawn, or under someone else’s control
- Poor living conditions or signs of physical abuse
- Lack of personal identification or restricted freedom of movement
- Working excessively long hours without proper compensation
What UK Laws Apply and What is the UK Government Doing?
The UK has taken significant steps to address modern slavery, most notably through the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This legislation introduced tougher penalties for offenders and requires businesses to report on steps taken to prevent slavery in their supply chains.
Law enforcement agencies, charities, and government bodies work together to identify victims and prosecute offenders. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) provides a framework for identifying and supporting victims.
What is The Role of Businesses and Society?
Businesses play a critical role in tackling modern slavery. Companies are increasingly expected to ensure transparency in their supply chains and take proactive measures to prevent exploitation.
Consumers also have power. Supporting ethical brands, asking questions about sourcing, and staying informed can help reduce demand for exploited labour.
How Do I Report Suspected Modern Slavery?
If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery in the UK, it is important to report it. You can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline or local law enforcement. Reports can be made anonymously, and doing so could help rescue someone from exploitation.
What are the signs of modern slavery?
Common signs include individuals who appear fearful, controlled, or unable to speak freely. Other indicators include poor living conditions, lack of identification documents, working long hours for little or no pay, and restricted movement.
Who is most at risk of modern slavery?
People who are economically vulnerable, migrants, asylum seekers, and individuals with limited social support are at higher risk. However, UK nationals—including children—are also increasingly identified as victims, particularly in cases of criminal exploitation.
What is the Modern Slavery Act 2015?
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is a key piece of UK legislation designed to combat modern slavery. It introduced tougher penalties for offenders and requires large businesses to report on how they are preventing slavery in their supply chains.
What is the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)?
The National Referral Mechanism is the UK’s system for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery. It allows organisations such as the police, local authorities, and charities to refer potential victims for protection and assistance.
Where does modern slavery happen in the UK?
Modern slavery can occur in many sectors, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, car washes, nail bars, and private homes. It can also involve criminal exploitation, such as drug trafficking.
How can I report suspected modern slavery?
You can report suspected modern slavery by contacting the UK Modern Slavery Helpline or the police. Reports can be made anonymously, and providing information could help protect someone from exploitation.
How can businesses help prevent modern slavery?
Businesses can help by conducting supply chain checks, ensuring fair working conditions, and complying with transparency requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Ethical sourcing and regular audits are key steps.
Why is modern slavery still happening in the UK?
Modern slavery persists due to factors such as poverty, global inequality, organised crime, and demand for cheap labour. It is often hidden, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
What can individuals do to help tackle modern slavery?
Individuals can raise awareness, support ethical brands, learn to recognise the signs of exploitation, and report concerns. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to help combat modern slavery.