Businesses: Spotting the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking

Educating firms to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking is an important part of our Business Crime Team’s work.

They visit firms across our county to explain what to look out for so staff can identify if someone has been trafficked or is being exploited.

Bob Fortt, who works to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking and protect victims for Essex Police, says larger firms must annually outline the steps they take to ensure they use ethical supply lines, as outlined by the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

However, he explains, while many businesses focus on sourcing goods ethically, they must make similar checks when employing staff.

“Most recruitment agencies are reputable but some may be fronts for criminal gangs who have trafficked people into this country illegally and are keeping their victims in the most dreadful living conditions, forcing them to work for little or no money and isolating them from family and friends.
“But there are some simple questions employers can ask new staff if they are at all concerned.
“Ask them where they are travelling from. If they have been trafficked, they probably won’t know exactly where they are or where they are staying.
“Ask them how much they are being paid, it may be less than you believe you are paying them. Look out for wages being paid into the same bank account or an account in someone else’s name. Criminals will steal victims’ money, leaving them only with only a few pounds a day to live on.
“And if you notice they never use a mobile phone, ask where it is. Victims are denied access to phones and the internet so they cannot seek help.”
Bob Fortt

He says there is currently no specific intelligence that modern slavery and human trafficking is a problem in Essex but it is important for employers and members of the public to report concerns.

“Employers are responsible for their staff’s safety and wellbeing immediately they step on to your premises.
“If you are concerned that staff may be victims of modern slavery, please step up and speak out.
“Call 999 if you believe a person is being trafficked and is in immediate danger. To give us information, please report online or ring the Modern Slavery Helpline, confidentially, on 0800 0 121 700.”

Spot the signs of modern slavery & human trafficking

Signs that people may have been trafficked or are being exploited include indications of physical or psychological abuse and untreated injuries.

They may seem anxious, agitated or withdrawn and reluctant to make eye contact or interact with others.

Workers may live in the same cramped accommodation and travel together, seeming to be under the control of others.

They may be regularly collected and dropped off for work very early or late and work long hours.

They may appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or place of employment. They may even live at their place of work.

Multiple wages may be paid into one bank account or into an account in someone else’s name.

Applicants are often unable to speak English. Their job application may have been completed by others and they may have a translator in any interview.

Victims may wear the same clothes or inappropriate clothes for work and have few or no personal belongings, such as phones.

Find out more about modern slavery.

… and report your concerns

If you are concerned about a potential victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, or a situation that is potentially exploitative, report it.

Call 999 if you believe a person is being trafficked and is in immediate danger.

Otherwise, if you have information about modern slavery or human trafficking, there are various ways you can report it:

• to police online or, confidentially, to the Modern Slavery Helpline
  
  
• by ringing the police non-emergency number 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline, confidentially, on 0800 0 121 700
  
  
• anonymously, to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111