Combating Modern Slavery And Trafficking
Modern slavery and trafficking are serious issues that affect vulnerable groups in society. It is essential to understand the signs of these crimes and how to act when we suspect them to help prevent and combat these crimes.
Identifying Vulnerable Groups:
Vulnerable groups include those from low-income households or with debts, women and children, ethnic minorities, refugees and illegal migrants, people with low levels of education or learning disabilities, young people who have run away from home or care, people with substance misuse issues, and people with mental health problems.
Occupations at Risk:
Certain jobs are at higher risk for modern slavery and trafficking, including car washers, nail bar workers, and manual labourers.
Forms of Modern Slavery:
Modern slavery can take various forms, such as forced labor, criminal sexual exploitation, trafficking, debt bondage, and human rights abuse.
Recognising and Reporting:
It is crucial to identify the physical and emotional signs of modern slavery and report any suspicions to a colleague, manager, or the authorities. Keep a record of what you have witnessed and refer the case to the local safeguarding team. If you have information that could help identify, discover, and recover victims in the UK, please contact the Modern Slavery Helpline at 08000 121 700. To learn more, visit www.unseenuk.org.
Training and Support:
To ensure everyone is aware of the signs and knows how to take action, regular mandatory training will include how to identify and report modern slavery. The hospital will also provide access to counseling services or external support for staff affected by modern slavery.
Prevention:
The hospital will conduct risk assessments and implement policies to prevent suppliers and contractors from engaging in modern slavery.
Monitoring:
To monitor the effectiveness of the policy over time, the hospital will establish a reporting mechanism to track incidents and actions taken, periodically reviewing the policy to ensure it remains current and effective.
Conclusion:
Combating modern slavery and trafficking is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance and action from everyone. By understanding the signs and taking appropriate action, we can help prevent and combat these crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.