Britain's growing slavery problem fuelled by 'culture of fear', say experts

In “pop-up brothels”, car washes, nail bars and dozens of other types of businesses, slavery is running rampant in the UK, often in plain sight of wider society.

Government estimates put the number of victims at 10,000 in 2020, though Anti-Slavery International claims the real figure is ten times higher – more than 130,000 people.

“Slavery is one of those things that many people believe happens elsewhere or to other people, that it doesn't affect them in any way, shape or form,” said Justine Carter, Director of the anti-slavery organisation Unseen.

But this couldn't be further from the truth, she continued.

“We are all touched by slavery in some way or another. Whether that's a decision we make about the work we pay for, the food we eat or the clothes we wear. We're all affected – and can affect – this situation.”

Slavery is meted out in so many different ways, be it forced labour, sexual, criminal and financial exploitation or domestic servitude.

In the simplest terms, it occurs when someone – often in a vulnerable position – is exploited and abused by another, usually for money.

Age, immigration status, addiction, physical and mental health or ability can all put people at risk. However, Kate Roberts from the NGO Focus on Labour Exploitation told Euronews: “It's really important to recognise that there’s no fixed profile of what a victim looks like because then exploitation which is less expected can be missed.”

“Historically, some victims, such as a man working on a building site, might not have been easily identified because of stereotypes. So it's important to go on actual indicators: Are people being paid enough? Are they respected at work? What security do they have?”

A myriad of often overlapping factors push people into