Modern slavery statement

Get in touch if you need this information in another language.

Our Commitment to tackling Modern day Slavery and transparency Statement 2023-2024

The Council has signed the Co-operative Party’s Charter against modern slavery. It means we will be proactive in ensuring modern slavery does not exist in our supply chain.

We are committed to ensure that everyone should ‘be able to live a safe and happy life free from slavery and exploitation in all its forms’.

Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.

Victims of modern slavery are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception.

We have 4 main aims in relation to modern slavery:

to tackle modern slavery through strong leadership and effective partnerships
to raise awareness of modern-day slavery
to identify and support victims of modern slavery
to pursue perpetrators of modern slavery

Slavery violates human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom and security. Modern slavery is said to be ‘hidden in plain sight’ and many of us will have unknowingly seen the victims, perpetrators or effects of slavery in our day-to-day life.

Modern slavery is closer than you think.

Slavery is not an issue confined to history or an issue that only exists in certain countries - it is something that is still happening today. It is a global problem, and the UK is no exception. It’s a growing issue, affecting men, women and children.

This statement is made under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It explains what Camden Council has done to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our organisation, subcontractors, partners, and supply chains. This statement covers activities from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 and outlines our improvement plans for next year.

Modern Slavery Statement 2023-24

Types of modern slavery

There are many types of modern slavery however slavery typically falls under one of the following categories:

Labour exploitation or debt bondage: Where vulnerable people are exploited for labour or forced to work for little or no money. Victims may be coerced into working in dangerous conditions, live in squalor and have limited access to their own money and belongings.

Similarly, debt bondage may see a person being forced to work for a person who has lent them money, which they have little prospect of paying off. This can happen in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, laying driveways, hospitality, food packaging, agriculture, maritime and beauty (nail bars).

Domestic servitude: Where victims are made to work almost constantly in private households. The pay is often very low and payments may be delayed or in kind for food and accommodation. Victims may have their freedoms limited, for example they are stopped from leaving the house, have their identity documents removed and have restricted contact with the outside world.

Sexual exploitation: Where adults and children are groomed or forced into sex work or to perform sexual acts. This could be group exploitation where victims are forced into sex work with multiple person, commonly being based in brothels, on the street or in ‘pop-up’ locations. There are also single exploiters who may groom the person to engage in sexual activity with them, this is often very common within child sexual exploitation.

Criminal exploitation: Where individuals or groups of people are controlled, maltreated, or forced to commit crime and unlawful acts against their will. This covers gang and drug related activity, such as county lines, forced begging, shoplifting, benefit fraud and theft. Sham and forced marriages also fall under this category; often women forced into a marriage can also be subject to domestic abuse.

Who is affected

There is no typical profile for a victim of modern slavery.

In the UK, victims were found to be men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities and nationalities.

However, it was found that slavery was more prevalent among those who were the most vulnerable in society, because they were either socially excluded or belonged to minority groups.

Signs

There are several signs that indicate a person may be a victim of modern slavery, This could include:

appearing under control of someone else and unwilling to engage with others
having few belongings on them and no personal identification
being dropped off or collected for work at unusual times and having limited freedom to do what they want
living with many people in a property unsuitable for multiple occupation
appearing unkempt or not suitably dressed for the occasion, e.g. work or cold weather
appearing frightened, withdrawn, or showing signs of physical or psychological abuse

Exploited children and young people will typically exhibit the following the following signs and behaviours:

missing from home or care
absent from school for whole of part days
sexually transmitted infection(s) / injuries causes by sexual activity / pregnancy and termination(s)
recruiting others into exploitative situations
evidence of sexual bullying and / or vulnerability through the internet and / or social networking sites
involvement in offending
receipt of gifts and money from unknown sources
physical injuries
drug or alcohol misuse
change in physical appearance
estranged from their family
poor mental health / self-harm / thoughts of or attempts at suicide

More information about exploitation and vulnerable adolescents is available from the Vulnerable Adolescents Tackling Risk and Exploitation Strategy 2023-25

What to do if you suspect slavery

If you suspect that someone is living in slavery, then it is important that you do not confront or approach them as this could cause more harm.

The police should always be contacted in the first instance, on 999 in emergencies or 101 in other situations.

The following organisations can also be contacted:

If you live in Camden and are worried about your child’s safety contact the Children and Families Contact Service on 020 7974 3317
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a vulnerable person, please phone Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444, and when prompted, say ‘Adult Social Care’
Deaf or Hard of Hearing people who use British Sign Language (BSL) can contact Camden Council using our SignVideo Web Access, an online sign language interpreting service. The service requires a webcam. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Modern Day Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: 0800 432 0804 or email: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
The Salvation Army: 0300 303 8151

People on Health and Care Worker visas

If you arrived in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa and suspect you are a victim of modern day slavery, you can get help and advice. You may be a victim if you came to the UK on this visa and any of the following describe your experience after arriving in the UK:

you’ve been asked to pay or repay high fees to your visa sponsor
you are working for very low wages and/or in poor conditions
you are not working in the job promised to you or the job promised does not exist
any of the types of modern day slavery listed apply to you

Many organisations can refer you through the National Referral Mechanism. This will ensure you receive appropriate support. The police, the Salvation Army, other charities, or a council can refer you.