When people think of slavery they tend to think of events from the past or in distant underdeveloped countries but modern slavery is a growing problem, even in the UK, writes Brendan Musgrove, pictured, Managing Director, Cordant Security.
Most commonly people are trafficked into forced labour in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, manufacturing and car washes. More needs to be done to tackle modern slavery.
Stronger Together is a multi-stakeholder business-led initiative aiming to reduce modern slavery particularly forced labour, labour trafficking and other hidden third party exploitation of workers. They provide guidance, training, resources and a network for employers, labour providers, workers and their representatives to work together to reduce exploitation.
Cordant Security has become the first security business to become a stronger together business partner. We work closely with our group companies such as PMP Recruitment who work in the recruitment sector to share best practices.
Security guards can be a vital part of the solution, acting as the “eyes and ears” of a business. Most personnel will walk past a security guard, be it thorough access control, search points, or whilst on patrol. This gives us the opportunity to make a real impact by recognising the signs of modern slavery and acting upon it. Proper awareness training is required to ensure officers can spot and properly deal with the signs of modern slavery which we are now implementing into our training schemes.
This adds to the range of specialist skill sets we employ in the warehouse and distribution sector which can really have a positive impact on the lives of the people we protect.
Facts on Modern Slavery (from antislavery.org)
1.The UK Government estimates there are tens of thousands people in slavery in Britain.
2.In 2017, over 5,000 people were referred to British authorities as potential victims of slavery. Up one third from 2016.
3.This includes over 2,000 children.
4.But only 13pc of these individuals were assessed to be modern slavery victims at the end of the year.
5.Of the cases involving people from outside the EU, this figure goes down to less than 3pc.
6.Referrals included possible victims from 116 countries.
7.46pc of people referred were in labour exploitation and 34pc were in sexual exploitation.
8.Up to 34pc of victims of slavery are estimated to be re-trafficked.
9.UK nationals make the biggest group of potential victims.
10.2016 saw the first conviction and sentencing of a British businessman for human trafficking.
