By Brogan Grimley
January marks National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States (US), culminating on February 1st with National Freedom Day, which commemorates the signing of the resolution that led to the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Although this awareness month originates in the US, the issues it highlights are global.
It is estimated that there are 49.6 million people living in modern slavery or human trafficking worldwide. By supporting this awareness campaign as part of the wider Hope for Justice network, we stand alongside colleagues internationally in shining a light on the ongoing fight against exploitation and the shared responsibility to uphold human rights.
At JustRight Scotland, we see every day how modern slavery and human trafficking continues to affect people across the UK. These harms are not abstract or distant – they are lived experiences within our own communities. By supporting this campaign, we aim to deepen understanding, centre a human‑rights‑based approach, and strengthen collaboration across sectors and borders. Preventing exploitation, raising awareness, and supporting survivors in their recovery are collective responsibilities, and this month offers a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm that commitment together.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the UK
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking are not distant or rare issues in the UK. Victims are found across the country, in both urban and rural areas, and in a wide range of industries. In 2024, 19,125 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM), representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The NRM is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. Of those referred, 17,168 individuals were formally recognised as victims.
Scotland
In Scotland, victims have been identified in all 32 local authority areas, and the identification of potential victims continues to rise. The number of referrals made to the NRM from Scotland has increased significantly over the last decade. In 2015, 145 referrals were made, compared to 920 referrals in 2024.
Whilst these figures demonstrate the rising identification of potential victims, they only reflect cases that have been referred to the NRM. Many instances of exploitation remain hidden and unreported, meaning that the actual scale of modern slavery in the UK, is likely much higher. What do we mean when we say ‘modern slavery’?
The term modern slavery refers to a serious and high-harm crime in which people are treated as commodities, bought, sold and exploited for criminal gain. Modern slavery is used to describe several types of exploitation, including human trafficking, slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour.
Human trafficking refers to the action of recruiting, transporting/transferring, harbouring or receiving, exchanging or transferring control over another person, including children and young people, with a view to that person being exploited.
Exploitation involves taking advantage of someone, in particular, the act of taking unjust advantage of another for one’s own benefit. Exploitation can take several different forms, including sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude with victims coming from all levels of society and backgrounds.
Common Myths About Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
General awareness of modern slavery is often hindered by myths. Understanding the facts is essential for prevention and protection.
Trafficking only happens across borders
> Fact: It can happen entirely within a country. A person does not need to cross a border to be trafficked.
Modern slavery only happens overseas
> Fact: Victims of human trafficking have been identified in all 32 local authority areas in Scotland.Modern slavery does not affect UK Nationals
> Fact: In Quarter 1 of 2025, there were 220 nationalities represented by referrals to the NRM. UK nationals being most common (23%; 1,210) – the highest since the NRM began in 2009.Modern slavery only affects adults
> Fact: Children are frequently trafficked and exploited. In Quarter 1 2025, 76% (916) of UK national referrals to the NRM were children.Only females are trafficked
> Fact: Of 5,297 potential victims referred to the NRM in Quarter 1 2025:
- Total: 75% (3,983) were male | 25% (1,311) were female
- Adults: 73% (2,639) were male | 27% (983) were female
- Children: 80% (1,340) were male | 20% (328) were female
Modern slavery and human trafficking are rare and easy to spot
> Fact: Modern slavery is hidden in everyday settings: agriculture, fishing, construction, commercial sexual exploitation/prostitution, illegal drugs trade, the beauty industry (nail bars/ beauty salons), hospitality, car washes and social care and many others.
These myths demonstrate how easily modern slavery and human trafficking can be misunderstood. When exploitation is hidden behind false assumptions, victims remain unseen and unsupported.
Prevention, Awareness and Shared Responsibility
Modern slavery is often complex and hidden, and people experiencing exploitation may not always see themselves as victims. Others may face barriers to seeking support because of fear, trauma, or isolation. These realities highlight the importance of a shared, community‑wide effort – including professionals and the public – to build understanding, challenge misconceptions, and recognise the signs that someone may be at risk.
Some general indicators of modern slavery may include:
- Money: little or no pay, money controlled by someone else, money owed to someone else;
- Isolation: appear to be under the control of others, have relationships which don’t seem right, tend not to interact with other people, seem unfamiliar with the local area; unusual travel arrangements;
- Restricted freedom of movement: no control over own mail or own documents (ID or passport), no phone or phone held by someone else;
- Reluctance to seek help: Avoiding eye contact, appearing frightened, fear of law enforcers, unsure who to trust, fear of violence to them or their family;
- Poor living conditions: living in unsuitable, often overcrowded accommodations, living and working at the same address;
- Physical appearance: signs of abuse (physical and/or psychological), untreated injuries, anxiety, agitation, appearing to be withdrawn and neglected, looking malnourished or unkempt.
The above list is not exhaustive, and indicators may vary depending on the individual and context. There are resources available to learn more:
Reporting Concerns
If you believe you have seen something concerning, it is important to alert a trained professional. Concerns about modern slavery can be reported to the Modern Slavery Helpline (available 8am – 9pm) on 0800 121 700. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact the Police first on 999.
Preventing modern slavery and supporting recovery calls for awareness, care, and a shared commitment to looking out for one another.
