LONDON, March 6 — The number of potential modern slavery victims in Britain surged to a record high last year, according to official statistics released on Thursday. Experts are calling for urgent government policy reforms to address the growing crisis.
LONDON, March 6 — The number of potential modern slavery victims in Britain surged to a record high last year, according to official statistics released on Thursday. Experts are calling for urgent government policy reforms to address the growing crisis.
Home Office data revealed that in 2024, there were 19,125 referrals of potential victims to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)—the UK’s system for identifying and protecting victims—exceeding the previous record of 17,000 referrals in 2023.
Modern slavery, which includes human trafficking, forced labor, servitude, and exploitation, has been rising globally due to factors like poverty, conflict, and migration. In Britain, victims—men, women, and children—are often exploited in industries such as drug trafficking, sex work, car washes, nail salons, private homes, and social care.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent individuals with voices that the government must listen to,” said Eleanor Lyons, Britain’s independent anti-slavery commissioner. She urged the government to develop a cross-government strategy to help law enforcement prioritize tackling modern slavery.
The real number of people trapped in modern slavery in Britain is estimated at around 130,000, according to human rights group Anti-Slavery International.
Who Are the Victims?
British nationals made up 23% of referrals, the highest proportion.
Albanians were the second most referred nationality at 13%, followed by Vietnamese nationals at 11%.
Nearly 6,000 children (31% of referrals) were identified as potential victims.
Calls for Reform
Charities and lawmakers have been pushing for changes in Britain’s approach to modern slavery, including stronger enforcement of labor laws and reforming immigration policies. They argue that the government’s strict immigration policies, aimed at stopping illegal migration, are deterring victims from seeking help for fear of deportation.
“Tougher immigration rules are leaving thousands of people trapped in modern slavery and afraid to come forward,” Reuters reported last month.
“These figures reinforce a crucial point: modern slavery is a crime against individuals and must not be conflated with immigration offences,” Lyons emphasized.
Government Response
In response, the government has pledged to hire more caseworkers to handle NRM referrals. At the end of 2024, more than 17,000 people were still awaiting a second-stage decision on their claims, official data showed.
The rising numbers highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response to combat modern slavery and provide justice for victims. — Reuters
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