Human trafficking is a global crime which affects individuals and
businesses worldwide.
The International Labour Organization estimates that there are almost
21 million people in forced labour, including forced sexual exploitation.
Of those 5.5 million are children. Men, women and children are
exploited from all over the world and, in the UK alone potential victims
have been identified from over 90 different countries. Traffickers will
exploit individuals, for profit, in a number of ways: sexual exploitation,
labour exploitation, and criminal activities including forced begging or
cannabis cultivation.
In many instances traffickers will increase the control they have over
individuals by placing them in debt bondage, making them work to
pay off the money they owe the trafficker.
Small businesses through to multi-national companies could be
implicated in instances of exploitation and human trafficking if they
do not make the necessary checks or take appropriate precautions.
Thoroughly checking supply chains and recruitment agencies will ensure
that the potential for human trafficking to occur is significantly reduced