According to the latest report from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on the extent of modern slavery published today, although labour exploitation is rising (32%), sexual exploitation remains the most reported form of modern day slavery accounting for 34% of all potential victims.

For the third year in a row, the NCA assessment reports an overall increase in the number of people thought to be victims of modern slavery encountered by police, public services and some NGOs – a total of 3309 (up from 2744 in 2013). This includes an increase in the number of child victims although they make up a similar proportion of the total (22%) as in previous years.

Potential victims were reported from 97 different countries, but British citizens were the third largest group, a 55% increase from the previous year. Internal trafficking of British children for sexual exploitation continues to be a significant phenomenon, with 99 individual children identified.

Other children were exploited in labour exploitation, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation including benefit fraud and cannabis production.

Once again, the statistics reveal the disproportionate impact of human trafficking on women and girls accounting for 54% of all potential victims reported (61% of children).

It was most common for victims of sexual exploitation to be identified in brothels, but many had also been exploited in private homes, hotels and on the street.

Labour exploitation was reported in factories, car washes, in agriculture and food processing and in a variety of other settings such as nail bars, restaurants and the maritime industry.

It is also noteworthy that for potential victims of labour exploitation, where their nationality is known, the vast majority (82%) were EU/EEA nationals legally entitled to live and work in this country. Whilst some victims may be manipulated or coerced into exploitation because of an illegal immigration status, it is clear that this is by no means the case for all.

There is still much work to be done to increase awareness of trafficking so that more victims can be identified and supported and to deter and prosecute those who abuse them. We can expect this report to inform the work of all those seeking to raise awareness and improve action following the passing of new legislation around the UK in 2015.

Caroline Young, Deputy Director of the NCA's Organised Crime Command commented, said:

“Human trafficking is an insidious and complex crime where much of the exploitation is hidden from view. However, the 21% increase in reporting in this assessment, a very similar increase to the previous year, indicates that law enforcement and first responders are increasingly encountering and recognising examples of trafficking in our society, the first step in being able to assist the victims and tackle the criminality.

“The National Crime Agency is committed to continually disrupting this vicious criminal trade in human misery, which exploits the most vulnerable people, both here and abroad, for financial gain. Victims are being forced to work in private houses and in hospitality, farming, manufacturing and construction industries. In many cases, threats and violence are used to ensure compliance.

“The NCA will continue to work closely with a range of partners to help eradicate this vile crime.”

Note: as the NCA report recognises, the challenge of identifying victims, and the hidden and coercive nature of modern slavery mean that it is likely the true number of victims in the UK is much higher than the figures recorded. Indeed it is not possible to be certain if the increase in people reported in 2014 represents an increase in levels of exploitation or improved identification processes.