Who Should Be Informed If There’s A Suspected Case Of Modern Slavery, Forced Labour Or Human Trafficking?

              

Who Should Be Informed If There’s A Suspected Case Of Modern Slavery, Forced Labour Or Human Trafficking?

If you think someone might be a victim of modern slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking in the UK, it’s really important to take action right away. You should report what you suspect to the right people, which can vary based on how urgent the situation is or whether you’re a member of the public or a professional.

• If Someone Is In Immediate Danger: If you believe someone is in immediate danger or that a crime is happening right now, please prioritise their safety by calling 999. This connects you to emergency services, including the police, who can help right away.
• Reporting Situations That Are Not Emergencies: For situations where you think someone might be a victim, but it’s not an emergency, there are several services you can contact:
  - Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline: You can call 08000 121 700 or report online. This helpline is available 24/7, completely confidential, and free. They can offer expert help if you think someone might be exploited.
  - Local Police: For non-urgent concerns, call 101 to report your suspicions or information to the local police.
  - Crimestoppers: If you want to keep your identity a secret, call 0800 555 111 or use their secure online form. You can share information without revealing your identity.
  - Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA): If you suspect exploitation in jobs like farming or food processing, contact the GLAA at 0800 432 0804 for help.

Advice for Professionals Helping Victims

• Professionals Reporting: If you work in a role that involves responding to these situations, like police officers or charity workers, you have specific responsibilities when you suspect someone is a victim:
  - National Referral Mechanism (NRM): You can use a special online form to report individuals who might need support. This process helps identify potential victims and assist them.
  - Duty to Notify (DtN): If you meet an adult victim who doesn’t want to enter the NRM, you still have to fill out a form to inform the Home Office. This keeps a record of the situation even if the victim doesn’t agree.
  - Child Victims: If you find someone under 18 who might be a victim, you must immediately refer them to both the NRM and local child services to ensure their safety.

Important Tips for Reporting

• Doing Things Right: When you’re thinking about reporting suspected cases of modern slavery, it’s important to remember:
  - Don’t Confront Suspected Traffickers: It can be dangerous to confront someone you suspect is involved in trafficking. This could make the situation worse for both you and the potential victim.
  - Don’t Tell the Victim You’re Reporting: If you let a victim know that you’re going to report them, it might put them in more danger from their exploiters.
  - Trust Your Instincts: You don’t have to be completely sure that someone is a victim; if you have a concern, it’s enough to report it. You could help someone in need.

Additional Support for Victims

• Help For Victims: There are many resources available for victims of modern slavery:
  - The Salvation Army: They have a free, confidential helpline available 24/7 for adult victims. You can call them at 0800 808 3733 for assistance.
  - NSPCC: If you’re worried about possible child victims, you can contact the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000 for guidance and support.

Every report is important in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking, helping to protect those who cannot speak up for themselves.