How can the security sector help combat modern slavery?

Unseen UK offers some insight into the current state of modern slavery, and details how those in the security sector can play their part in recognising the signs to help the fight against a global issue.

Unseen UK and the Modern Slavery Helpline

Unseen UK is a leading anti-modern slavery charity with one core aim – to achieve a world without slavery. Founded in 2008, the charity works across three distinct areas: supporting victims, equipping stakeholders and influencing society. This is achieved by providing support to survivors through safe houses, a reintegration and outreach service, providing training within schools, statutory agencies, businesses and frontline services and working closely with government and policy makers both in the UK and overseas.

Unseen also operates The Modern Slavery Helpline. Completely independent and confidential, the Helpline is staffed by modern slavery experts who are available 24/7. The Helpline is totally free to call and provides over-the-phone translation when needed. Since launch, the Helpline has dealt with more than 20,000 cases indicating thousands of potential victims, many who were victims of labour exploitation, since the Helpline was launched.

The role of the security sector

Businesses within the security sector have a duty to develop a robust response to the risks of exploitation within their own business and supply chains. As with other sectors, this may include developing annual statements as per S.54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, providing bespoke and targeted training to teams at all levels, or developing a process of continuous scrutiny of high-risk areas, which are all included in Unseen’s business services.

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Case study

An anonymous caller to the Helpline worked with a security company and was concerned after hearing that one of their client’s subcontractors was not paying workers national minimum wage. Upon further investigation it transpired that workers were being paid nothing and were being controlled by an exploiter who provided accommodation in a house with many others and held their passports.

The Helpline talked through the indicators of modern slavery with the caller and assessed the signs of labour exploitation within the situation. The Helpline made the appropriate referrals to connect relevant law enforcement bodies to the case and offered further support to the business in terms of enhanced staff training and an awareness-raising campaign, including promotion of the Helpline number.

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However, the sector also has a unique contribution to make to the fight against modern slavery. The nature of the work of these businesses means that they gain access to restricted areas; they capture evidence; and they are especially primed to notice issues around safety and criminality. In this sense, this sector, more than many others, could have a significant impact on the number of vulnerable people identified and supported, cases reported, and perpetrators prosecuted. Beyond individual cases, consistent and targeted action by the sector can help combat the underlying structures which allow labour exploitation to thrive. This starts with an awareness of the signs to look out for.

Common signs of modern slavery

Modern Slavery is a diverse and complex crime. There are, however, some common indicators of exploitation. Labour exploitation is the most commonly identified form of modern slavery reported to the Helpline. Some of the signs that someone is being exploited could be:

1. Working very long hours, without days off or breaks.
2. Payment issues: Being paid less than national minimum wage, or less than the contracted amount. Workers will sometimes have payment made into an account that is controlled by an exploiter or may even be in someone else’s name.
3. Confiscation of passports or other legal or travel documents.
4. Lack of appropriate work equipment (PPE) or training. Health and safety requirements in general may not be adhered to.
5. Monitoring: If an exploiter is their boss, they may be physically watched while they are working, or be monitored through their phones.
6. Unusual travel times: groups being transported to and from work early in the morning or late at night, often in unsuitable or unsafe vehicles such as transit vans.
7. Physical signs of abuse: including looking malnourished, tired, or having poor personal hygiene
8. Vulnerabilities: inability to speak English, lack of understanding of workers’ rights, homelessness, children, those with health conditions or learning difficulties.
9. Living conditions: houses of multiple occupation, often with several people sharing a room and sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Often these are cramped, squalid, without proper heating or bathroom and kitchen facilities.
10. False promises: job offers that seem too good to be true, reality differing to what was promised and deception. Travel for a job that has been paid for and arranged by another.

What can businesses do?

Businesses have a duty to make Modern Slavery a priority. In recognition of their unique position as national experts, the Modern Slavery Helpline provides unique services to businesses around their modern slavery response and risk mitigation. Unseen offers bespoke support to businesses; providing training to raise awareness of modern slavery amongst employees and helping management understand the risks associated within their sector and how to address them.

Unseen also provides training through modular e-learning programmes, which are of a particular benefit to businesses currently disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis. The organisation offers a range of practical and cost-effective tools and solutions to better support businesses in understanding, mitigating and managing modern slavery risks. Businesses are also supported to develop strong modern slavery statements in line with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act through targeted consultancy and support. All monies raised through business consultancy and support directly funds Unseen’s ongoing helpline operations and survivor support services.

Businesses can get in touch with our expert team at business@unseenuk.org to discuss their needs further.

Businesses and individuals are strongly advised to call the Modern Slavery Helpline with any concerns on 08000 121 700, calls are free. Alternatively, file an online report at: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org , through the Unseen App, or email info@modernslaveryhelpline.org. The Helpline team will assess the situation and navigate next steps, whether it be an individual reporting a concern or a business seeking advice. The team can provide ongoing support as a situation develops and will help support any potential victim into services wherever possible.