Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is a significant national problem which is being taken seriously by UK government. They have introduced the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, and funding for the national Transformation Programme, aimed at improving understanding, investigations, intelligence sharing and development across law enforcement agencies, working with partners, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
Modern Slavery provokes thoughts of people manacled, beaten and abused in a very obvious manner. In truth the exploitation can be far more subtle, but still unpleasant and unacceptable nonetheless. Organised criminal gangs will sometimes be responsible and profit from the trafficking of immigrants who will sometimes be attempting to gain a better life away from troubles within their own country.
For example, exploitation could be as simple as being forced to work exceptionally long hours, unacceptable living conditions for staff living on site, money deducted from wages, working without terms of employment and threats to terminate employment if instructions are not carried out.
Modern Slavery can be defined as:
The controlling of another by force, power, fear, intimidation, deception, or ownership in order to exploit them, typically for sexual, labour, criminal or domestic purposes.
Human trafficking can be defined as:
The recruitment or movement of people by force, deceit or threat for such exploitation – in other words, the recruitment or movement of Modern Slavery victims.
In Jersey we are seeing an increasing amount of foreign workers working within industries such as agriculture, hospitality and construction. Many will be enjoying a perfectly acceptable lifestyle, however Modern Slavery can occur in Jersey.
The States of Jersey Police are working with partner agencies from Jersey’s Government and the Voluntary organisations in an attempt to build a picture and tackle any Modern Slavery offences.
What can you do?
If you think a child or adult is being abused or exploited in any way you can call us on 612612 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
The Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 have a range of interpreters, so be sure to tell them what language you speak, or would prefer to converse in.
The Modern Slavery Helpline's Unseen App allows users to spot the signs of modern slavery, in addition to the most common locations of exploitation so you can report suspicions and get help wherever you are. It also provides information on the major types of modern slavery. Search 'unseen UK' or 'Modern Slavery Helpline' in your app store.
