Shock rise in modern slavery cases

THE number of potential victims of modern slavery has hit a UK record, figures show.

- Aine Fox

A total of 4,758 were referred to the Home Office between July and September - a 10% rise on the previous three months and up 15% on that quarter in 2023.

The Home Office said it was the highest quarterly figure since the National Referral Mechanism began in 2009.

The last record was 4,742 from January to March 2023.

To access support and be recognised officially in the UK, slavery and human trafficking victims have to be assessed by the NRM.