Number of modern slavery victims in the UK hits record high

The UK has seen a significant rise in potential modern slavery cases, with 4,758 referrals reported to the government’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) between July and September 2024—a record high.

Most cases involve labour exploitation, particularly affecting migrants and asylum seekers working in harsh conditions, often for minimal pay.

Labour exploitation of adults remains the most common form, but children are also increasingly affected by criminal exploitation, including "county lines" drug trafficking networks.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Modern slavery is a scourge that dehumanises and traumatises people for profit, and we are committed to tackling it in all its forms.

“We recognise that survivors are waiting far too long for a decision. That is why we are hiring 200 new decision-makers to clear this backlog in two years and ensure survivors get the certainty and support they need to rebuild their lives.”

The NRM is designed to identify modern slavery victims and prompts the Home Office to investigate their case. However, individuals must be referred to the service through a third party – such as the police, border force, and some specific charities.

However, charity organisations have reported a drop in the number of victims approaching them for support, potentially due to recent legislative changes affecting migrants and asylum seekers.

The Salvation Army – who have long provided shelter and assistance to victims outside of the NRM framework – have also reported fewer victims seeking help suggesting this could be due in part to the stricter eligibility criteria, brought in under the Conservative government, have made it harder for people to be officially recognised as victims of modern slavery.

Major Kathy Betteridge, director of modern slavery at the charity, said: “We remain worried that, as well as fewer people able to access vital support, many more remain trapped in exploitation, too fearful to come forward because they can’t trust they will be treated as victims of crime. Meanwhile this vile trade in human life is still prevalent in the UK today.”

The government continues to face pressure to address these issues with policies that protect vulnerable individuals while combating criminal networks profiting from modern slavery.