Increase in modern slavery across London has risen by almost 10% in the past year. Survivors have shared stories of being coerced, controlled or trapped.
Victims of modern slavery are being manipulated into criminal activities or exploitative situations where they lose control over their own lives, reinforcing how hidden and complex modern slavery can be.
The UK national statistics show that referrals of potential modern slavery victims are rising, with over 19,000 cases identified in 2024, the highest number on record.
This modern slavery numbers include people trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, debt bondage, domestic servitude and other forms of slavery.
Evidence shows modern slavery can be very hidden, sometimes in plain sight, and often involves vulnerable people who are coerced or deceived into exploitative situations.
A recent report by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner highlights how online systems can act as “accelerators” of sexual exploitation and how weak safeguards and outdated regulation can expose victims to harm.
The most exploited zones in these findings are concentrated around bigger cities like London and Birmingham and this is part of a broader UK trend which underscores deeper issues.
Because exploitation remains hidden, enforcement are still needed, charities and watchdogs continue to call for improved protections, training, and legislation.
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