Still much to do in tackling modern slavery, says expert

The Yorkshire Post reported yesterday that West Yorkshire was seen as a “destination of choice” for human trafficking and forced labour, with nine police investigations currently underway in the county to tackle organised crime rings.

Professor Gary Craig of Durham University, a member of the North Yorkshire police and crime panel, said police forces and other local agencies “have a lot to do to get up to date” with new modern slavery legislation.

He said: “Whilst the investment in West Yorkshire is certainly welcome, there appears much to do both there and in other areas to develop new structures and practices which can effectively address the scourge of modern slavery.”

According to a police report, low house prices and high numbers of low-skilled manual jobs has made West Yorkshire a “destination of choice” for human trafficking and modern slavery

More than ten people a month were reported to the national modern slavery referral scheme from West Yorkshire last year, a higher total than anywhere else in the country except London.

In a report by West Yorkshire Police, the region’s largest police force says it has made a major investment to bridge gaps in intelligence and information.

An extra £1.5 million has been invested by the force’s crime commissioner to deal with the problem in the county and in January a dedicated team was set up.

The Modern Slavery Act passed into law earlier this year is the first of its kind in Europe to specifically address slavery and trafficking. It includes what the Government says is a “world leading provision” that requires business to disclose what they are doing to ensure there is no slavery in their supply chain.

But Professor Craig, who led a recent study into modern slavery, said: “The Modern Slavery Act, described by the Government as world-leading, is far from that. Whilst it has raised the profile of the issue...and this has led to a slight increase in cases coming forward, the speed of dealing with them is very slow and often inadequate, and there are many issues left unresolved. There is much unfinished business.”