What is modern slavery and how big is the problem in the UK? – LincolnshireLive

The government estimates the problem of modern slavery is higher than expected and Anti-slavery International claims the business is "thriving" throughout the UK.

An investigation by Lincolnshire police led to the conviction today, August 11, of 11 people for being part of a modern slavery ring which targeted victims that were vulnerable and homeless - one person was held for 26 years.

The group are set to be sentenced on September 7, 8, 11 and 12 at Nottingham Crown Court for the crime.

What is modern slavery?

In the UK the common form of modern slavery sees people trafficked into forced labour for very little pay.

This applies to a variety of industries but is most commonly seen in agriculture, hospitality, car washes, and manufacturing.

Women may also be trafficked for sex.

Children can also be forced to commit crimes such as petty theft or cannabis production.

Horrific stories of victims held as slaves that helped police snare notorious travellers revealed

Who are victims of modern slavery?

Anyone can be a victim of slavery but people who are classed as vulnerable are often targeted. This also includes those who are from a minority and socially excluded groups can also be targeted.

The Government says that two-thirds of victims of modern slavery are women and one in four victims is a child.

A variety of things can contribute to someone being a victim of modern slavery this can include lack of education, poverty and limited opportunities at home.

How are people targeted?

Generally someone is offered what seems like a decent job but then when they start the job the conditions are completely different.

Violence can also be used against the victim once they have started work.

How common is slavery in the UK?

Anti-Slavery International claims it is much more common than people think with around 13,000 being exploited in the UK alone.

But the National Crime Agency have said it's just the tip of the iceberg and there are lots more people up and down the country who are being kept as slaves, but their cases have never come to light.

How can you spot modern slavery?

There are a variety of signs to look out for which may mean that someone is a victim of modern slavery. A person may have false identity.

Director of Anti-slavery International, Aidan McQuade, said: "In terms of observations if you see people living in crowded conditions, they are not using proper work clothes, they are not mixing with other communities, and are driven around from one house to the next.

"If you get a sense they are a slave you need to find out if their identity documents have been taken off them."

He added people also have to find out whether they are paid minimum wage.

To report modern slavery call the government's hot line on 0800 0121 700.

Operation Pottery, which led to the conviction of eleven people in Nottingham Crown Court, was one of the largest investigations of its kind in the country.

It probed the group - largely from the same family of travellers - who targeted victims because they were "vulnerable and homeless".

Some of the victims had learning disabilities or mental health issues, while others were dependent on alcohol or drugs. Some were forced to sign over their homes.

Officers carried out seven raids across Lincolnshire, Nottingham and London simultaneously on September 22, 2014 to smash the slavery ring.

Mr McQuade added it is good news the gang has been convicted.

He said: "The fact this has been going on is not a surprise - it's shocking, but it's not a surprise.

"It's positive that they've been prosecuted and the police have stopped cruelty and it has raised awareness of the issue.

"It does highlight a problem we need to face."

Read the original post:

What is modern slavery and how big is the problem in the UK? - LincolnshireLive