Poverty and technology fueling record levels of slavery in UK
Summary
The UK has seen the highest number of potential modern slavery victims ever recorded, with over 23,000 cases reported in 2025, a 22% increase from the previous year. A new report warns that rising living costs, debt, insecure work, and new technology are making exploitation more common and harder to detect.Key Facts
- In 2025, more than 23,000 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to UK authorities, the highest number on record.
- This represents a 22% increase compared to the previous year.
- About 21% of these potential victims were from the UK; other large groups included Eritrean nationals (13%) and Vietnamese nationals (9%).
- The rise in modern slavery is driven by factors like higher living costs, debt, and unstable jobs.
- Conflicts and displacement worldwide make it easier for traffickers to exploit vulnerable people.
- Technology, especially artificial intelligence and online platforms, is being used by traffickers to recruit and control victims on a large scale.
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015 set the legal framework to protect victims and punish offenders but may need updating to respond to the growing problem.
- The independent anti-slavery commissioner urged the government to increase funding for police and fine companies that break anti-exploitation laws.
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