Modern Slavery and Human trafficking

In the UK the Modern Day Slavery Act came into force in July 2015 bringing together current offences that relate to trafficking and slavery.

Key areas

  • creates two new civil orders to prevent modern slavery;
  • establishes an Anti-Slavery Commissioner;
  • makes provision for the protection of modern slavery victims.

Modern slavery includes

  • human trafficking
  • child trafficking
  • debt bondage
  • forced labour
  • sexual exploitation
  • criminal exploitation
  • domestic servitude

The Council's Responsibility

Councils must tell the National Crime Agency about trafficked people. This is done via the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for adults and children.

Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement

The transparency statement sets out Wakefield Council's actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business, and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 April to 31 March.

As part of Local Government, the Council recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. In addition to the Council's responsibility as an employer, it also acknowledges its duty as a District Council to notify the Secretary of State of suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking as introduced by section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The Council is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. The statement sets out practices already in place at the Council and any committed actions set for the financial year in response to the introduction of Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act.

How you can help – spot the signs

The signs are often hidden, which makes it very hard to see victims around us. There are some common signs to be aware of:

  • physical appearance
  • isolation
  • poor living conditions
  • few or no personal effects
  • restricted freedom of movement
  • unusual travel times
  • reluctant to seek help

How to report

The National Referral Mechanism (From 29 April 2019 Gov.uk) is a Home Office process.

Through this, identified potential victims of modern slavery (includes human trafficking) can get access to a number of support services.

If you are one of the first responders below you can report directly to the NRM

  • police forces
  • certain parts of the Home Office:
  • UK Visas and Immigration
  • Border Force
  • Immigration Enforcement
  • National Crime Agency
  • local authorities
  • Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
  • health and social care trusts (Northern Ireland)
  • Salvation Army
  • Migrant Help
  • Medaille Trust
  • Kalayaan
  • Barnardo's
  • Unseen
  • Tara Project (Scotland)
  • NSPCC (CTAC)
  • BAWSO
  • New Pathways
  • Refugee Council

Training

Training is available through the Wakefield Safeguarding Children's Partnership or can be arranged to suit your individual team or service needs. For more information please contact the Community Safety Team.

Related Links

Useful Documents

Contact Us

If you are not a first responder or you would like to speak to someone about Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, please contact:

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