WIREDGOV

A campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking for labour exploitation, and encourage members of the public to anonymously report any suspicions that is taking place, has been launched recently by Crimestoppers and SOCA’s UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC).

Like all forms of human trafficking, labour exploitation is a largely hidden crime that can be difficult to identify. The campaign, which is also being supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), identifies six key indicators that may suggest labour exploitation is taking place:-

• Victims are often forced to live in cramped and/or overcrowded conditions
• They are collected very early and/or returned late at night on a regular basis
• They may have inappropriate clothing for the work they are performing, and/or a lack of safety equipment
• There may be a heavy security presence at the premises in which they live or work
• Victims’ physical appearance may show signs of injury, malnourishment, and their general appearance may be unkempt
• They may be isolated from the local community and/or appear to be under the control or influence of others

Accompanying the campaign is a video which tells the story of a young victim thrust into squalid living conditions and forced labour – very different from the better life many trafficking victims are promised.

Viewers are presented with clickable choices throughout the video as to whether to help her by passing on information anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime type, but one that generates huge criminal profits worldwide. International Labour Organization figures value its annual trade at around $32 billion (£20 billion).

Liam Vernon, Deputy Head of the UK Human Trafficking Centre, said: “Human trafficking is an appalling crime that has devastating effects on its victims who are often the most vulnerable people in our society. Since 2009, over 1,000 men, women and children have been referred to the centre as potential victims of trafficking for labour exploitation.

“The victims we know about were being forced to work in private houses as well as the hospitality, farming, manufacturing and construction industries. In many cases the traffickers used verbal threats or violence to achieve compliance."

“There could be many more out there which is why, together with Crimestoppers and the police, the UKHTC wants to raise awareness and help the public understand the signs to look out for.”

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, said: “Human trafficking for the purposes of forced labour is a crime that the public find difficult to identify, which makes it incredibly challenging for the authorities to clamp down on those who are committing these serious offences.

“This is why, for the first time, Crimestoppers and UKHTC is launching this campaign to help you ‘read the signs’ and encourage you to pass on information you might have to the charity, anonymously.”

ACPO lead on migration and associated matters, Assistant Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, said:

“Members of the public may not realise that they will see victims of labour exploitation, and those controlling them, in a number of different environments while going about their daily business.

“Intelligence in this area is difficult to gather, but we have had success in bringing prosecutions against those who exploit. The victims of forced labour are often the most vulnerable in our society who are preyed on by criminal gangs, creating financial gain from human servitude and suffering."

The video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR78_D3dR5E
If using an iPhone or tablet, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C9VwiCP2bQ

To spread the word through social media, please use the hashtag #Readthesigns.

If you have any information surrounding human trafficking for the purposes of forced labour or domestic servitude, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or use the secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.