The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

Modern slavery and exploitation are often described as hidden crimes, yet the scale of harm is anything but. In 2025, the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline continued to hear from survivors, professionals, members of the public and businesses, many seeking urgent safety, others seeking advice, and some simply looking for someone to believe them. As we entered our tenth year of operations, what we heard most clearly was that risk is increasing, exploitation is evolving, and too many people are still being left without timely routes to protection and support.

The Unseen Helpline Annual Assessment 2025 recorded nearly 3,000 modern slavery cases, a 41% increase, with over 6,600 potential victims. Labour exploitation rose 65%, forming over half of all cases. 

• Cases Recorded: Almost 3,000 total cases, showing a 41% increase from the previous year.

• Potential Victims: Over 6,600 individuals reported, marking a 37% year-on-year rise.

• Labour Exploitation: Increased by 65%, accounting for over 50% of all recorded cases and 70% of potential victims.

• Top Industries for Labour Abuse: Care sector, hospitality, and construction.

• Most Impacted Age Group: Individuals aged 20–29 across all forms of modern slavery.

• Top Nationalities Reported: Indian, Vietnamese, and British. 

The patterns behind these numbers are deeply concerning, with prevalent risks for migrant workers on skilled worker routes as well as conflict, displacement and transnational criminality continuing to shape vulnerability and harm.

This Annual Assessment provides an overview of the types of calls and contacts the Helpline recorded in 2025. The patterns behind these numbers are deeply concerning. Behind every statistic is a person – someone navigating fear, uncertainty and, too often, complex barriers to safety. We are grateful to all partners who act on Helpline intelligence and referrals, and to everyone who works to identify exploitation earlier and respond in ways that are survivorcentred and trauma-informed. Our service and the reports we produce as a result are intended to support that shared effort: to help policymakers, statutory agencies, businesses and civil society understand what is changing, where risk is rising, and what must be done next to prevent exploitation and improve access to protection and support.