Modern Slavery Act: Ten Years On Briefing

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The Fight Against Modern Slavery: A Decade of Progress and Challenges in the UK

2025 marks a decade since the passing of the Modern Slavery Act (2015) in the UK, a landmark piece of legislation designed to combat the global issue of modern slavery. Former Prime Minister Theresa May famously called modern slavery the "great human rights issue of our time." Yet, despite significant progress, there are still an estimated 122,000 individuals living in modern slavery within the UK and 49.6 million people affected globally. This article explores the current state of modern slavery in the UK, the support systems in place for survivors, and what more needs to be done in the fight against this ongoing crisis.

Introduction to Modern Slavery in the UK

The Modern Slavery Act of 2015 was heralded as a bold step toward making the UK a world leader in the fight against modern slavery. It introduced significant changes, including the requirement for large businesses to report on the steps they take to ensure their supply chains are free from slavery, and for law enforcement agencies to take a more proactive role in combating human trafficking and exploitation.

However, even after a decade, modern slavery remains a deeply entrenched issue. Despite efforts from various organizations and government bodies, individuals continue to be exploited in various forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation.

How Do We Support Survivors of Modern Slavery?

Survivors of modern slavery are entitled to support under the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings, which the UK ratified in 2008. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) provides the framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery.

To access support under the NRM, individuals must first be referred by a "first responder" organization authorized to make referrals. These referrals are assessed by "Competent Authorities" in the Home Office, who determine whether a person is a victim of modern slavery.

Adults must consent to enter the NRM, where they are entitled to access a range of support services. These include safe accommodation, caseworker assistance, medical care, mental health support, and financial aid. In contrast, children do not need to give consent to enter the NRM, and their safeguarding is the statutory responsibility of local authorities.

What is Modern Slavery?

Modern slavery encompasses a range of exploitation types, all of which involve the exploitation of people for profit, with victims often being treated as commodities. Some key forms of exploitation include:

Criminal Exploitation – Forced involvement in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking (e.g., County Lines) or theft.
Domestic Servitude – Forced labor in private homes, with little or no freedom or pay.
Labor Exploitation – Forced labor or services, where victims work under conditions resembling slavery. This can occur in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and care homes.
Sexual Exploitation – Forced sexual activity for the financial gain of another person.

Recent and Upcoming Legislation

While the Modern Slavery Act of 2015 was a groundbreaking law, recent and upcoming legislation has complicated the landscape. The Nationality and Borders Act (2022) and Illegal Migration Act (2023) have blurred the lines between modern slavery, human trafficking, and people smuggling. These laws have made it harder for survivors to receive the support they need and have removed important protections for victims.

On the other hand, the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill aims to repeal many provisions of the Illegal Migration Act, including those that adversely affect modern slavery victims. However, Public Order Disqualifications—introduced in the Nationality and Borders Act and extended by the Illegal Migration Act—remain a significant obstacle to providing adequate support for survivors.

The Employment Rights Bill proposes the establishment of the Fair Work Agency, which would take on duties related to identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery. Meanwhile, the Crime and Policing Bill introduces new measures to address issues such as Child Criminal Exploitation and Cuckooing, which involve the exploitation of children for criminal purposes.

What More Needs to Be Done?

Despite the steps taken in the past decade, modern slavery remains a pervasive issue. Moving forward, there are several areas that need improvement:

Improved Support for Survivors – Ensuring that survivors of modern slavery have access to consistent and comprehensive support services, including legal assistance, long-term housing, and rehabilitation.
Better Detection and Prosecution – Strengthening law enforcement's ability to detect and prosecute perpetrators of modern slavery, ensuring that traffickers are held accountable for their crimes.
Reform of Recent Legislation – Addressing the gaps created by recent laws such as the Nationality and Borders Act and Illegal Migration Act, which hinder the ability to protect victims of modern slavery.

Download the Full Briefing

To learn more about modern slavery, the UK's response to the issue, and how we can all contribute to the fight against this crime. This document provides in-depth information on the topic and outlines actionable steps that can be taken to make a difference. Together, we can help end modern slavery and support survivors in their journey to recovery.

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