What Is Modern Slavery?

Sarah Ozanne

Understand the critical issue of modern slavery. Join Sarah Ozanne as she explains what it is, how to identify its indicators and the steps individuals and organisations can take to address it.

Sustainable Working

Understand the critical issue of modern slavery. Join Sarah Ozanne as she explains what it is, how to identify its indicators and the steps individuals and organisations can take to address it.

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What Is Modern Slavery?

10 mins 43 secs

Key learning objectives:

Define modern slavery
Understand how certain industries are more vulnerable to slavery
Identify the indicators of modern slavery

Overview:

Modern slavery refers to severe forms of exploitation, including forced or compulsory labour, servitude, slavery, or human trafficking. It can involve situations where individuals are forced to work under duress or deception, such as domestic servitude or labour to repay debts, and where human trafficking facilitates exploitation. Globally, approximately 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021. Some industries, particularly those reliant on labour, are more prone to modern slavery.

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Summary

What is modern slavery?

How many people are affected by modern slavery?

Globally, approximately 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, including 27.6 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriages. Factors like poverty, lack of education, forced migration, and climate change contribute to vulnerability. Modern slavery is a violation of human rights, as it denies individuals their freedom and dignity.

Why are certain industries more vulnerable to modern slavery?

Some industries, particularly those reliant on labour, are more prone to modern slavery. For example:

Retail and consumer sectors: The demand for low-cost products, such as fast fashion, often leads to labour exploitation in supply chains.
Agricultural and construction sectors: These industries frequently rely on vulnerable migrant workers, who are at risk of exploitation.
Financial services sector: While perceived as relatively free of slavery, plays a role through its investment and lending choices, which can either perpetuate or help mitigate labour exploitation.

What are the key indicators of modern slavery?

Isolation: Victims may be under the control of others and rarely travel alone
Restricted freedom of movement: They may lack personal documents or possessions
Reluctance to seek help: Victims might avoid eye contact or appear fearful
Physical appearance: Signs include untreated injuries, malnourishment, or poor hygiene
Living and working conditions: Victims may live in overcrowded or unsafe conditions and have unusual travel arrangements, like being dropped off and picked up from work

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Sarah Ozanne

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