Police launch new slavery campaign - here's how to spot the signs

Dyfed-Powys Police officers want people to raise concerns about workers who are being forced to work for little or no pay.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Rob Claypole explained that in rural locations, labour exploitation can see people working for the exploiter but also living at the site. The risk to the victim is that if they give up the work, they lose their accommodation.

"Based on previous operations, victims can often live in poor conditions, with no heating, hot water or electricity however due to their expectations they are willing to accept this as they consider this better than an alternative such as being homeless despite the conditions failing far below our expectations," he said.

Spotting the signs of modern slavery. Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police

There are also situations where the victim might not be kept against their will, but has issues with identification which would make it difficult for them to find conventional work, or they might not want to be open about their situation.

“We also look out for vulnerability and coercion, which is where the exploiter would find a victim who is vulnerable in some way – for example through being homeless or having an addiction,” he said.

“Once the victim has been identified, the exploiter moves onto coercion by offering something the victim needs – for example accommodation, alcohol or drugs in exchange for work.

“It can be very difficult for a victim to leave these sorts of situations as they fear they would lose the thing they need – be that somewhere to live, access to drugs, or their earnings."

T/DS Claypole explained that officers work on active intelligence about potential slavery victims as part of ongoing operations and investigations. Potential victims are then spoken to away from their place of work or accommodation – and crucially, away from potential exploiters.

Spotting the signs of modern slavery. Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police

“In these circumstances, it is very important to speak to the potential victim away from the potential exploiters and to gain their trust," he said.

“For example, one potential victim was spoken to by officers twice after concerns were shown, but they did not identify as a victim. However, when the person went to hospital, concerns were again raised.

“On speaking with police for a third time and on neutral ground, it was revealed that he was being paid next to nothing for six days’ work a week. As a foreign national he thought that was the best option he had, and so he stayed there out of desperation.

“He didn’t know any different, but after officers explained his situation wasn’t right he began to engage with us. I believe that if he had been spoken to at the place of his work and accommodation, he would once again have led officers to believe he was not a victim.

“Speaking with him in a different location gave him the chance to listen, understand and engage.”

Spotting the signs of modern slavery. Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police

Signs of labour exploitation

• Showing signs of psychological or physical abuse. Appearing frightened, withdrawn or confused.
• No free movement, or always accompanied.
• Lack of protective equipment or suitable clothing, and no training to safely fulfil the requirements of the role.
• No access to their own documents, such as ID or their passport, with the employer having confiscated them.
• No contract, not paid National Minimum Wage or not paid at all.
• Forced to stay in accommodation – possibly overcrowded – provided by the employer, or living on site.
• Being transported to and from work, potentially with multiple people in one vehicle.
• Working particularly long hours.

If you have any concerns or suspicions of worker exploitation you should report them immediately.

You can contact: The GLAA - 0800 432 0804 or 0115 959 7032 (outside office hours); Email: intelligence@gla.gov.uk; Police: Call 101, or in an emergency 999; Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111; Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700