Modern slavery referrals rise by a third in a year

The number of possible victims of modern slavery referred to the Home Office has hit a record high. In the three months to September there were more than 6,400 referrals, representing a rise of 35% compared to the same period last year.

These recent figures are the highest for a single quarter since the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) began in 2009.

There was also a record number of referrals during the whole of last year, with over 19,000 possible victims of modern slavery referred to the Home Office in 2024.

In the latest figures for the three months up to September this year, Eritrean was the second most common nationality referred, and Somalian the third. UK nationals made up the greatest number of referrals, comprising a fifth (20% or 1,312 individuals) during those three months.

Once a person has been referred to the Home Office, over two thirds (68%) were found to be a victim of modern slavery. This could include human trafficking, slavery or forced labour.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, said: “The Government must act to refocus efforts on preventing harm, supporting survivors of exploitation, and to greater emphasise the need to tackle the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes.

“Modern slavery will not end through identification alone, it requires stronger enforcement, greater disruption of trafficking networks and real consequences for those profiting from exploitation.”