Record Levels of Exploitation in the UK Linked to Poverty and Technology
The independent anti-slavery commissioner (IASC) has issued a warning that the increasing cost of living combined with advances in technology are contributing to unprecedented levels of exploitation in the UK.
In 2025, over 23,000 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the monitoring group, marking a 22% rise compared to the previous year and representing the highest figure ever recorded.
Challenges in Detecting Modern Slavery
A report released on Monday highlights concerns that human trafficking, forced labour, and sexual exploitation will become increasingly difficult to detect unless immediate measures are taken to dismantle criminal networks.
More than 20% of potential victims identified in 2025 were UK nationals, constituting the largest single demographic group. Eritrean nationals accounted for 13%, making them the second-largest group, followed by Vietnamese nationals at 9%.
Context and Contributing Factors
This report is published over a decade after the Modern Slavery Act was enacted and compiles evidence from more than 50 organisations to examine potential future trends in exploitation.
It identifies three primary drivers behind the increase: rising living costs, debt accumulation, and insecure employment conditions.
Additionally, the report warns that global conflicts and displacement are facilitating traffickers' ability to exploit vulnerable populations. It also notes that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms are being utilized by traffickers to "recruit, groom and control victims at scale."
Statements from the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Eleanor Lyons, appointed as IASC in October 2023, emphasized the report's findings on the growing domestic impact of exploitation.
"The most harrowing forms of exploitation are becoming more widespread in this country and evolving faster than we can respond.
It will spread further and become harder to stop unless we act now."
Lyons further stated that the UK's current response does not match the scale and complexity of the threat. She urged the government to implement reforms, including increased funding for specialist police units and imposing fines on businesses that violate anti-exploitation regulations.
"Behind these numbers are real people being abused in ways most of us would struggle to imagine, whether it's women forced into the sex trade, children coerced into drug gangs, or workers trapped in brutal conditions with no way out, often living in absolute fear," Lyons added.
Background on the Modern Slavery Act 2015
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidated existing anti-exploitation offences into a single legal framework and introduced new responsibilities and powers aimed at protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
Among its provisions, the Act established a new defence for victims of slavery and trafficking who have been compelled to commit criminal acts.
