Modern Slavery in 2025: Time to Renew the UK’s Commitment
Reflecting on the House of Lords debate on the report: "The Modern Slavery Act 2015 – Becoming world-leading again"
Ten years ago, the UK led the world in the fight against human trafficking and forced labour with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, a landmark piece of legislation that sought to expose exploitation, prosecute perpetrators, and protect victims. It was, at the time, a bold commitment to human dignity and justice.
But in 2025, we are compelled to ask: has the Act lived up to its promise?
A Decade of Progress - But Not Enough
There is no doubt the Act helped shine a light on modern slavery in the UK. It gave law enforcement new tools, established the role of an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and required large businesses to disclose efforts to address slavery in their supply chains.
There has been measurable progress.
In 2021, there were 466 prosecutions;
In 2022, 405;
By late 2022, there were more than 3,500 active investigations, a dramatic increase from just 188 in 2016.
In 2021 alone, over 12,700 victims were referred for support.
But these numbers only scratch the surface. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 130,000 people may be living in conditions of modern slavery in the UK today. Prosecution rates remain alarmingly low; just 2% of known cases result in criminal charges.
And the system meant to support survivors, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), is overwhelmed. Survivors are left waiting, often for months or years, in a state of limbo without adequate support.
Policy Tensions: Protecting or Penalising Victims?
Recent legislation, particularly the Illegal Migration Act 2023, risks further undermining efforts by deterring victims from coming forward out of fear of deportation. When immigration control takes precedence over victim protection, we send a chilling message to those most in need: that seeking help might come at too high a price.
We must not let the tools of compassion and justice become compromised by politics.
A Changing Threat
Modern slavery has evolved.
Criminal networks now operate within global supply chains, the care sector, and the gig economy.
County lines gangs exploit vulnerable children.
Digital platforms are increasingly used for trafficking and coercion.
Yet, the UK’s anti-slavery strategy has remained largely unchanged since 2014. Meanwhile, other countries are stepping up:
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act (2018) and
the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive both impose stronger obligations on businesses to prevent forced labour, not just report it.
In the UK, over 16,000 companies have filed modern slavery statements, but without penalties or clear accountability, many remain superficial. Transparency without enforcement is toothless.
What Needs to Change?
To reclaim our leadership and truly deliver on the promise of the Modern Slavery Act, we must take bold, practical steps:
1. Strengthen Support for Victims
Fix delays in the National Referral Mechanism
Guarantee immediate access to legal advice, housing, and mental health support
Reform immigration rules to protect victims, not punish them
2. Hold Businesses Accountable
Introduce mandatory due diligence laws with real penalties for non-compliance
Move beyond reporting to require active prevention of exploitation
3. Enforce the Law—And Modernise It
Increase prosecution and asset seizures from traffickers
Expand legislation to address emerging threats, especially digital exploitation
4. Update the Modern Slavery Act for Today’s World
The Act must evolve alongside the criminal networks it seeks to disrupt. This includes aligning with broader reforms, such as the Employment Rights Bill, and ensuring modern slavery protections are embedded in our economic and legal systems.
A Call to Action
The Modern Slavery Act was never meant to be a final word—it was a starting point. A promise.
A decade on, it’s not enough to commemorate its passage—we must demand its transformation.
In 2025, the United Kingdom should not tolerate exploitation in any form. We must rise to the challenge, strengthen our commitment, and ensure that no one, no child, no worker, no vulnerable person, lives in chains.
