Summary
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidates and strengthens the law on slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking in England & Wales. It creates new offences, establishes the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and introduces transparency requirements for businesses.
Key Points
- Offence of slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour (s.1)
- Offence of human trafficking (s.2)
- Maximum sentence of life imprisonment
- Defence for victims who commit offences as a direct result of exploitation (s.45)
- Slavery and trafficking prevention orders and risk orders (Part 2)
- Transparency in supply chains: commercial organisations with turnover of £36m+ must publish annual slavery statements (s.54)
- Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (s.40)