SURVEY: The Results - The public massively underestimates slavery figures
Over the past few weeks an exclusive survey has been carried out by the Hidden Slaves investigation into the victims of modern slavery in the UK and the rehabilitation programmes in place, following exploitation.
The survey questioned the amount that people know about modern slavery. There were 85 responses in total and have led to some interesting answers. The following analysis is derived from the information gained from interviews that have been conducted, thorough research and information provided by The Salvation Army website.
The majority of people (36%) thought there were 1,000-5,000 victims of slavery in the UK today. However, it has actually been estimated by the British government that there are, in total, over 13,000 slaves living in the UK today.
In 2016, the highest number of reported victims in the UK were Albanian, followed by Vietnamese. UK nationals were the third largest number of reported potential victims.
95% of people associated forced labour or sexual exploitation as an element of modern slavery. Forced labour is, indeed, the most common form of slavery in the UK and can also lead to criminal exploitation. A high majority of people (89%) of people also said that working for little or no pay when under the age of 16 is modern slavery, which is correct. This form of modern-day slavery is referred to as child slavery. Child slavery occurs when a child’s labour is exploited for someone else’s gain. Forced marriage is another form of slavery, alongside working for less than minimum wage, being victim to abuse and living in unacceptable conditions with people that might be kept by a family to help in the house but not treated like a member of the family.
Overall, slavery can take many different forms and that is why ALL of the above can constitute to modern-day slavery.
An extremely high number of people (78%) said that they have not seen anyone living in the above conditions. However, the likelihood that the public would have seen someone living in any of those conditions is moderately high. A 2014 report by The Telegraph was titled; 'Sex slaves are on every street in Britain.'
People from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds are living as slaves in the UK. London, in particular is known as the hub of Britain, having the highest number of exploited people. The reason most people fail to notice whether someone is a slave, is because they are not sure what to look out for. Campaigns such as #LetsNailIt by the charity, Unseen, aim to raise awareness of slavery and inform the public about the signs to look out for.
Only 2% of people on this question said that they would ignore someone in these conditions. This would be the worst thing to do, yet, the majority of people that answered this question are likely to have ignored someone with either just one of a number of these conditions in the past. Not always, with intent, but in some cases things to look out for are someone that is unkempt, ill fed, working at unsociable hours or even going into a home where a large group of people are living.
Talking to the individual (31%) might in some cases be beneficial, but overall not the right thing to do. Victims are often reluctant to speak to strangers and wary of law enforcement, due to fear of deportation or not knowing who to trust.
The majority of people (55%) opted to report someone in these conditions to the authorities (the police in this case) which is the correct thing to do in the case of an immediate emergency or if you suspect something highly suspicious. However, if you are unsure what to do or need advice, the best thing to do is to call the confidential Modern Slavery Helpline.
75% of people were correct in stating that the most likely outcome (depending on the severity of the case) would be that they are arrested and could face time in prison. Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, perpetrators of slavery in the UK can face sentences up to life imprisonment. The courts are also able to seize assets, in order to compensate victims.
If you are in immediate danger or suspect an emergency, please call the police on 999. If you want to refer a victim of trafficking or need advice on the matter, please call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0300 3038151.
For more information and regular updates on the Hidden Slaves investigation, visit @HiddenSlaves on Twitter or @HiddenSlaves Facebook.
