Communities and businesses are being urged to be vigilant and report signs of modern slavery as Police Scotland launches a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
During 2020, 228 referrals* were received by police warning of people across Scotland
who may have been the victim of labour exploitation. The number of referrals received
each month fluctuated throughout the year as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and
imposed, and there are fears many potential crimes have gone unreported as a result of
victims being less visible. This figure is also expected to significantly increase as
restrictions ease again.
Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to exploitation at
work being paid little or no legal wage, being controlled and their choices limited with
poor working conditions putting their safety at risk. Victims of labour exploitation are
mostly – but not exclusively – men and boys, and intelligence shows traffickers target the
most vulnerable such as migrants and people without jobs.
Both UK residents and foreign nationals can targeted, with many victims controlled long
before they reach the UK. In other instances victims are targeted after they arrive either
as legitimate workers or illegal migrants.
Labour exploitation often occurs in criminal enterprises but it can also happen in
legitimate industry sectors, with agriculture including fruit picking and food processing,
construction, packaging, and offshore fishing regarded as being most at risk in Scotland.
Today, Police Scotland is launching a campaign to highlight the issue, asking people to
be aware and vigilant of the signs of exploitation, and explaining what people should do
if they have concerns. Over the next five weeks, adverts will run on television and social
media, while a dedicated website has been created containing further information and
advice.
Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Police Scotland’s lead for Major Crime, Public
Protection and Local Crime, said: “Modern slavery is a crime and it’s happening here
and now, in Scotland. Many people may think it won’t happen where they live or work,
however the reality is it can happen anywhere – in your community, in your industry –
and you can help stop it. Not all victims see themselves as victims – they may have made
a choice to come to Scotland on a promise of a better life, fallen into the hands of
traffickers and then found themselves victims of horrific deception and exploitation.
“It is absolutely vital that we increase awareness of the warning signs so that reporting
can increase. In particular it is absolutely crucial that the business community is aware
of the important role they must play in identifying and reporting exploited workers and
business owners, employees, trade unions, bank and benefits staff to name just a few,
can all play a vital role by reporting their concerns. Take a close look at supply chains,
tell your customers and suppliers what you’re doing to prevent exploitation, and make it
your duty to protect all workers.
“Police, other enforcement agencies and partners cannot tackle this issue alone. We
also need the public to work with us if we are to identify and help vulnerable individuals
being exploited. If you suspect exploitation is happening in your community, please
report it to police.”
Key signs to look out for include:
Individuals who work but have little or no money to buy their basic necessities
Workers who are made to live in poor and dirty conditions
Workers who have their time both on and off duty dictated to them
People who are nervous and scared of authority
For more information visit endlabourexploitation
* This figure refers to National Reporting Mechanism referrals (NRMs), a framework for
identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive
the appropriate support. The referrals were assessed by the Single Competent Authority
(SCA).
Unfortunately, no comparative figures are available for 2019 or previous years due to a
change in how referrals are now being assessed.
A total of 387 referrals were made to the NRM in 2020, of those 58.9% were in relation
to labour exploitation.
