Suffolk Looks Closer this Modern Slavery Awareness Week

The Suffolk Modern Slavery Network is raising awareness of Modern Slavery this week as part of a local campaign.

Modern Slavery Awareness Week runs from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 June and the aim is to highlight this hidden crime, raise awareness on how to spot the signs and encourage the public to report any concerns.

Modern slavery is the exploitation of people and affects society’s most vulnerable men, women and children. These can include victims that have been brought from overseas, as well as UK nationals in Suffolk.

It takes the form of a number of exploitation types, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and county lines, and targets many different industries, including hotels, nail bars, car washes, care homes, agriculture and construction.

The focus for this awareness week is within the care home sector, which nationally is an increased target for labour exploitation, fraud and illegal working due to understaffing.

Victims are primarily trafficked from other countries, often linked to wider organised crime groups, deceived into jobs and promised a better life in the UK. They are then forced to work excessive hours, with inadequate breaks, under the threat of deportation and violence.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Powell said: “Unfortunately, care homes, the beauty industry, food processing and hand car washes are all areas where we know exploitation sometimes takes place in Suffolk and we need the public to be aware of how to recognise abuse and know how to report concerns so that we can help safeguard victims and pursue offenders.

“Our dedicated Modern Slavery and Vulnerability team work alongside local authorities and welfare partners to share information and intelligence on exploitation and abuse and address the longer-term safeguarding needs of victims. We also work with businesses within each sector to help them identify victims who may be coerced into labour by organised crime groups.

“Following reports of suspected modern slavery offences, our officers will join partners to execute pre-planned multi agency operations to ensure staff are working in safe environments and are not victims of exploitation.”

Earlier this month, on Friday 14 June, a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after officers carried out a modern slavery check at a business premises in Bury St Edmunds following reports of suspected exploitation. He will be dealt with by Immigration Services.

In April 2024, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour after officers conducted a warrant at a massage parlour in the St Olaves precinct of Bury St Edmunds. He remains on police bail until 11 July.

Det Ch Insp Powell continues: “Modern Slavery is a hidden crime and we ask that the public open their eyes and look closer to any suspected incidents of exploitation so we can help safeguard victims and pursue offenders. You don’t have to be sure, just concerned.”

How to spot the signs of Modern Slavery:

• Working excessively long hours with inadequate breaks
• Appearing fatigued, fearful or under coercion
• Receiving low wages or being charged large fees for recruitment, accommodation or transport
• Living in overcrowded or substandard accommodation
• Restricted freedom of movement
• Having documentation withheld

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "I am very pleased to see Suffolk Constabulary working closely with partners to raise awareness of this despicable crime.

“Sadly,  modern slavery is all around us, hidden in plain sight. As I speak to people across the county it is clear many are completely unaware of the consequences of this horrendous issue. But modern slavery is something we all need to be aware of because it is happening in Suffolk and the impact on victims is totally devastating.

“Signs of modern slavery are often hidden from view, making it hard to recognise the victims but I would urge everyone to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

“It is only by working together we will raise awareness of modern slavery and the abuse and injustice that is associated with this abhorrent crime and bring these evil criminals to justice.”

You can report concerns to police
https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ms/modern-slavery/

Alternatively, call the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700. It is free, confidential, open 24 hours and available in 200 languages. Alternatively report online via https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report. If someone is in immediate danger please call police on 999.

Visit www.unseenuk.org for more information about the common signs of exploitation and how to report it.

For more information about the work in Suffolk to tackle Modern Slavery www.suffolk.gov.uk/ModernSlavery.

Further advice and support can be found via The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) which works to protect vulnerable and exploited workers
0800 432 0804
[email protected] or www.gla.gov.uk/report-issues