The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

In an increasingly complex and volatile political and economic environment, the independent role of the Helpline remains crucial.

Across the UK in this grant period the Helpline has identified thousands of Modern Slavery cases. 

The Helpline team has also produced over 50 bespoke data reports that identify key exploitation trends and inform key changemakers on sectors and locations at risk. The most significant of these reports include the 2024 Annual Assessment released in April, the Service not Servitude report outlining risk in the Hospitality sector released in August and The Economic Cost of Modern Slavery: Policing released in October, which used Helpline data to identify gaps in policing provision.

These reports have been widely shared and reflect the Helpline’s key role as vital infrastructure in the UK’s fight against modern slavery.

Spotlight: Exploitation in the hospitality sector.

According to Service not servitude: modern slavery in the hospitality sector, 485 potential victims were indicated in food and drink establishments, and 85 in holiday accommodation over the above period.

Survivors were often burdened with debts averaging £18,000 from illegal visa fees. The most common methods of control included financial coercion, tied accommodation and emotional abuse. 

Unseen says the findings point to a growing problem linked to skilled worker visas. Reports of potential victims in the hospitality sector on these visas rose by 7,400% between 2023 and 2024 (from one to 75*). 

You can read more about this here: https://www.unseenuk.org/modern-slavery-in-hospitality-sector-exposed-in-new-report/