Modern Slavery & Trafficking
Offences of slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Introduction
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidated and strengthened existing offences relating to slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking. It established the office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and introduced transparency requirements for commercial organisations (s.54 supply chain reporting). The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) provides a framework for identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery.
Core Principles
Slavery, Servitude, and Forced Labour (s.1) — Holding a person in slavery/servitude or requiring forced/compulsory labour. Maximum life imprisonment.
Human Trafficking (s.2) — Arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation. Includes sexual exploitation, forced labour, organ harvesting.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM) — Government framework for identifying and supporting victims. First responders can refer potential victims.
Defence for Victims (s.45) — Statutory defence for victims compelled to commit offences as a direct consequence of slavery or trafficking.
Slavery and Trafficking Prevention/Risk Orders — Courts can impose orders to restrict the activities of persons involved in slavery offences.
Supply Chain Transparency (s.54) — Commercial organisations with turnover of £36m+ must publish an annual statement on steps to prevent modern slavery in supply chains.
Key Statutes
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Human Rights Act 1998
Leading Cases
R v SK
[2011] EWCA Crim 1691
VCL and AN v United Kingdom
(2021) ECHR
Common Scenarios
Suspecting a worker is trafficked
Report to the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) or police. The NRM process will assess whether the person is a victim of trafficking and provide support.
Business supply chain risks
Organisations above £36m turnover must publish a modern slavery statement. Due diligence on supply chains is expected, covering recruitment practices, auditing, and training.