Modern Slavery: A Global Crisis with Local Consequences
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Ten years since the Modern Slavery Act, the UK is losing ground in the fight against exploitation — and a new report from the Coalition for Global Prosperity argues that without urgent action, both victims and values are being left behind.
In 2015, the UK made history. The Modern Slavery Act marked a decisive break from indifference, with Britain placing itself at the forefront of global efforts to tackle human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation. A decade on, the challenge is not just ongoing — it’s growing.
In our latest report, Modern Slavery: A Global Crisis with Local Consequences, we set out the shifting landscape of modern slavery in 2025 — from new forms of exploitation emerging on social media platforms, to the rise of trafficking driven by climate shocks, armed conflict and economic instability.
Our findings show that the number of potential victims identified in the UK has reached record levels: over 19,000 in 2024 alone. And while this represents only a fraction of the true scale, conviction and prosecution rates remain desperately low. Support for survivors, too, is patchy and inconsistent, with many falling through the cracks after just 30 days.
But the report doesn’t stop at domestic failings. It makes the case that any serious anti-slavery strategy must look beyond UK borders — to the systemic, global conditions in which modern slavery takes root.
International development emerges as one of the most powerful tools in this fight. From UK-funded initiatives in Nepal that have helped over 36,000 people escape bonded labour, to education programmes that reduce the vulnerability of women and girls, development is not an optional add-on. It is prevention in action.
We also shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of faith groups and civil society, whose long-standing presence in communities — both in the UK and internationally — makes them essential partners in identification, care and long-term recovery.
As the report makes clear, this is a test of political leadership and moral clarity. The recommendations we set out are pragmatic and urgent:
A new Modern Slavery Strategy to reflect today’s realities
The restoration of the Modern Slavery Fund to support international prevention
Mandatory human rights due diligence in global supply chains
Long-term support for survivors, including the right to work, housing, and legal aid
Greater global coordination on migration, enforcement and accountability
At a time when authoritarianism is rising and human rights are under pressure, Britain must choose whether to retreat — or to lead. In the words of our CEO, Ryan Henson:
“Modern slavery is not a relic of history. It is a growing, global business — and a moral emergency. We cannot be indifferent. We must lead.”
“Freedom is not a privilege; it is a right. No one should live under coercion and control. It is within our power – and our duty – to dismantle this dark industry.”
— Monica Harding MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for International Development
Foreword Author
Key Findings from the Report
Modern slavery is rising: Over 19,000 potential victims were identified in the UK in 2024 — a sixfold increase since the Modern Slavery Act passed in 2015.
Criminal networks are evolving: Traffickers are increasingly using digital platforms and social media to recruit and exploit victims.
Foreign nationals remain disproportionately affected: Two-thirds of victims identified in the UK are non-British, highlighting the need for an international response.
Prosecutions remain low: Fewer than 5% of recorded modern slavery offences result in a charge. Organised crime networks are rarely disrupted.
Victim support is insufficient: Many survivors face abrupt withdrawal of services after just 30 days, leaving them vulnerable to re-exploitation.
Faith and civil society organisations are filling the gaps: From initial identification to long-term care, these groups play a vital but often under-recognised role.
Development reduces vulnerability: UK-funded projects, particularly in South Asia and East Africa, are successfully tackling the root causes of slavery — including poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity.
Recommendations from the Report
Update the UK Modern Slavery Strategy, which has not been revised since 2014, to reflect new and emerging risks.
Restore the Modern Slavery Fund to support international development programmes addressing root causes of trafficking and exploitation.
Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence for UK-based companies to root out abuse in global supply chains.
Strengthen long-term survivor support, including housing, legal aid, trauma care, and the right to work.
Improve prosecution rates by scaling up successful initiatives like Victim Navigators, which support survivors through the justice system.
Reinstate and empower the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to ensure independent oversight and accountability.
Appoint a Modern Slavery Envoy to lead UK diplomatic efforts and strengthen international coordination.
Align migration and development policy to reduce the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit, especially in conflict-affected and climate-stressed regions.
Recognise and resource faith-based and community organisations working on the front lines of identification, care, and prevention.
“The UK has the tools, networks, and experience to lead again in the fight against modern slavery, but unless we align domestic policy with our international commitments, we will be leaving survivors unsupported, at risk of re-exploitation, and allowing traffickers to operate with impunity.”
— Zoe Swanwick, Senior Researcher at the Coalition and author of the report
Acknowledgements
The Coalition for Global Prosperity would like to thank the following organisations and individuals for contributing their insights to this research: Philip Booth, St Mary's University, David Burrowes, Emily Death and Caitlin Battersby, Sophie Hayes Foundation, Alexander Des Forges, Santa Marta Group, Louise Gleich, Justice and Care, Jessica Lyga, Freedom Fund , Ben Ryan, Medaille, Sara Thornton, former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
We offer special thanks and acknowledgement to those with lived experience of modern slavery whose stories are shared in this report, many of whom remain anonymous. The many statistics throughout this report serve as a stark reminder that behind every number is a person whose experience must not be forgotten.