The number of potential modern slavery victims in Britain reached an all-time high in 2024, according to official data released on Thursday. Experts are calling for urgent policy reforms as the
crime continues to grow.
Figures from the Home Office revealed that 19,125 people were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)—the UK's system for identifying and protecting victims—surpassing the previous record of approximately 17,000 in 2023.
Modern slavery, which includes human trafficking, servitude, forced labour, and exploitation, is on the rise worldwide due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and migration. Millions of people are affected globally, and Britain is no exception.
In the UK, victims—including men, women, and children—are often forced into exploitative labour in sectors such as drug trafficking, sex work, car washes, nail salons, domestic service, and social care.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people whose voices must be heard,” said Eleanor Lyons, Britain’s independent anti-slavery commissioner. “A comprehensive, cross-government strategy is essential to ensure law enforcement prioritises tackling this crime.”
Human rights group Anti-Slavery International estimates that around 130,000 people in Britain are currently living in modern slavery.
British nationals accounted for 23% of NRM referrals, making them the largest group, followed by Albanians at 13% and Vietnamese nationals at 11%. Children made up nearly 6,000 of the referrals, representing 31% of the total cases.
Charities and lawmakers have urged the government to reform its approach to modern slavery by strengthening labour law enforcement and overhauling immigration policies. Current measures prioritise curbing illegal migration, which has left thousands of victims trapped in exploitation, too afraid to seek help for fear of deportation.
“These figures underscore a vital point: modern slavery is a crime against individuals and must not be confused with immigration offences,” Lyons stated.
In response, the government has committed to hiring additional caseworkers to handle NRM support claims. However, official data shows that over 17,000 individuals were still awaiting a second-stage decision on their case at the end of 2024. Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.