Reporting Modern Slavery
How to report suspected modern slavery, human trafficking, or forced labour — and the protections available to victims.
Overview
Modern slavery — including human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation — is a serious criminal offence in the UK. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 provides the legal framework for combating slavery, protecting victims, and prosecuting offenders. If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery, reporting it can save lives. Victims have important legal protections and are not liable for criminal offences they committed as a result of their exploitation.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves reporting modern slavery.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Recognise the signs
Signs of modern slavery include: people living and working in the same place, workers who are never alone or seem fearful, people with untreated injuries, people who seem malnourished or unkempt, someone whose documents are held by another person, children working in environments that are harmful.
Report to the authorities
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 (24/7, confidential). You can also report online. If you are a professional, you may have a duty to refer potential victims through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
- You can report anonymously
- Note as many details as possible: location, description of people involved, vehicle registrations
- Do not put yourself at risk or approach suspected traffickers
National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
If a potential victim is identified, a 'first responder' (police, local authority, or designated NGO) will make a referral to the NRM. The Home Office will then make a 'reasonable grounds' decision within 5 working days on whether the person may be a victim.
Recovery and reflection period
If reasonable grounds are established, the potential victim receives a 30-day recovery and reflection period. During this time they receive government-funded support including safe accommodation, financial support, and access to legal advice.
Conclusive grounds decision
The Home Office (Single Competent Authority) will make a 'conclusive grounds' decision on whether the person is a victim of modern slavery. This should be made within 45 days of the NRM referral but often takes longer.
Support for confirmed victims
Confirmed victims can access ongoing support, may be granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK, and are protected from prosecution for offences committed as a direct result of their slavery or trafficking.
Costs
Important Warnings
If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999 first.
Do not attempt to 'rescue' a suspected victim yourself — this can put them and you at risk. Let trained professionals handle the situation.
Victims of modern slavery have a statutory defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 for criminal offences they committed as a result of their exploitation (with some exceptions for serious offences).
The identity of anyone reporting suspected modern slavery is kept confidential.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the reporting modern slavery process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Immediate"; "Immediate"; "5 working days for initial decision"; "Minimum 30 days". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Reporting — Free; NRM referral — Free; Victim support and accommodation — Government-funded. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999 first.; Do not attempt to 'rescue' a suspected victim yourself — this can put them and you at risk. Let trained professionals handle the situation.; Victims of modern slavery have a statutory defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 for criminal offences they committed as a result of their exploitation (with some exceptions for serious offences).. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: Modern Slavery Helpline; GOV.UK — Report modern slavery; Salvation Army — Modern Slavery support. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.