What is Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT)
MSHT can happen in any environment to any person. The legal framework is defined in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking are all forms of modern slavery. The National College of Policing provide the following definitions (Modern slavery definitions | College of Policing).
Slavery: Slavery is described as the status or condition of a person over whom any, or all, of the powers attaching the right of ownership are exercised. In essence, characteristics of ownership and indoctrination need to be present for a state of slavery to exist.
Servitude: Servitude is linked to slavery, but is much broader than slavery. In 2006 the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) reaffirmed that servitude is a ‘particularly serious form of denial of freedom.’ It includes, in addition to the obligation to provide certain services to another, the obligation on the ‘serf’ to live on the other’s property and the impossibility of changing his or her status.
Forced or compulsory labour: This is defined as ‘all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.’ Case law suggests that indicators of forced or compulsory labour include recruitment by deception, coercion and/or abuse, exploitation at work, and coercion at destination.
Human Trafficking: A person commits an offence if they arrange or facilitate the travel of another person, to exploit them. It is irrelevant whether the exploited person, adult or child, consents to the travel
7 minute briefing - Modern Slavery
Document
7 Minute Briefing - Modern Slavery.pdf (PDF, 171.23KB)
Pathways and Guidance document 2025
Document
Modern Slavery Pathways & Guidance 2025.pdf (PDF, 1.14MB)
How to raise concerns and get advice
National referral mechanism guidance: adult (England and Wales)
Report modern slavery – GOV.UK
You can find out more about the Helpline by accessing their Modern Slavery Helpline website. You can also make contact - By calling 08000 121 700 - Online at File a report (modernslaveryhelpline.org)