Sefton Council urges residents to report signs of modern slavery
Sefton Council is using Thursday’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to encourage people to look out for signs of modern slavery.
Many people who are lured by the promises of traffickers can find themselves intimidated, imprisoned and exploited at the end of their journeys. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 people live in modern slavery across the UK, including Merseyside.
Forms of exploitation can include forced Labour where victims are forced to work long hours for little or no pay, often living in poor conditions. Some vulnerable people or children are forced or tricked into committing crimes, such as shoplifting, begging, or involvement in county lines drug supply.
Others can find themselves in domestic servitude, held in private homes and forced to work as cleaners, cooks, or nannies with no or very little pay or freedom. And some are subject to sexual exploitation.
Sefton Council is totally opposed to any forms of modern slavery and in 2019, passed a motion setting out its commitment to helping eradicate it.
As part of this work, the Council encourages people across the borough to look out for the signs that someone is being exploited in this way and report it. Information on how to spot and report modern slavery is atwww.sefton.gov.uk/modernslavery
Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:
“Modern slavery has no place in Merseyside or anywhere else, although unfortunately it is still found.
“Sefton Council is committed to wiping out this terrible exploitation, but to do this we need people’s help in identifying the signs of modern slavery, which can include aperson living at the workplace with their employer or a number of people being housed in a cramped living space. Other signs to look out for are physical abuse and their psychological effects or a someone insisting on being present or interpreting any conversations, which could also mean modern slavery is taking place.
“If somebody is concerned that modern slavery is happening, they can report it to the Council's Safeguarding team on 0345 140 0845 or Merseyside Police on 101.
Full details can be found on our website atwww.sefton.gov.uk/modernslavery.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Merseyside's Modern Slavery Network, Jeanie Bell, said:
"Modern slavery is a devastating crime that strips people of their freedom, dignity and safety. It is often hidden in plain sight, affecting vulnerable adults and children in our communities, which is why raising awareness remains one of our most powerful tools in tackling it.
"On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I would encourage everyone to take a moment to learn the signs of exploitation and to trust their instincts if something doesn't seem right. Whether it is someone being controlled by another person, living and working in poor conditions, or appearing fearful and unable to speak freely, recognising those warning signs could help change, or even save, a life.
"Through Merseyside's Modern Slavery Network, we are bringing together partners from across policing, local authorities, charities and support services to strengthen our response, support victims and prevent more people from falling prey to those who seek to exploit them. Tackling Modern Slavery is a shared responsibility, and we can all play a role to play in exposing this hidden crime and helping survivors get the help and protection they need.
"Modern slavery has no place in Sefton, or anywhere across Merseyside. By working together and reporting concerns, we can help bring this exploitation out of the shadows and hold those responsible to account. I would urge anyone with concerns to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or online at Report a crime | Merseyside Policeor to contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700."
