Record number of potential modern slavery victims in England and Wales

The number of people thought to be victims of modern slavery has reached a record high in England and Wales, official statistics show.

4,746 people were referred to the Home Office between January and March - a rise of more than a quarter on the same period last year.

Modern slavery victims are exploited in a range of settings including in construction, agriculture, prostitution, and businesses.

Potential victims are referred to the National Referral Mechanism, where each case is considered protection is granted to confirmed victims.

CARE worked closely with parliamentarians during the passage of the Modern Slavery Act which enabled a robust response to the issue.

In recent years, our policy experts have lobbied for better support for victims under the law, and awareness-raising by UK authorities.

There is acute concern that the government's Illegal Migration Bill will out modern slavery victims at risk by watering down protections.

CARE's Rebecca Stevenson sets out the dangers in a recent article: Illegal Migration Bill: a compassionate approach? | CARE