Spot the signs of modern slavery and know how to report it

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:51:48 Z

Video courtesy of Unseen.

It’s estimated that 40.3 million people worldwide are held in ‘modern slavery’. Modern slavery is a complex crime and can involve many forms of exploitation, including human trafficking and forced or compulsory labour.

In the UK, 47% of referrals to the Government’s National Referral Mechanism for modern slavery are individuals who said they were exploited as children.

Many of us know this is happening behind closed doors in the UK, but we may not know the signs that could indicate that someone is being held in modern slavery, or what to do if we see something concerning.

Today, on Anti-Slavery Day, take a moment to learn how to spot the signs of modern slavery and how to report concerns.

Curo is working with Unseen, a UK charity based in Bristol who provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. Through their work Unseen have identified these common indicators of modern slavery:

Isolation

They’re rarely allowed to travel on their own
Appear to be under the control of others
Tend not to interact with other people
Seem unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work
Have relationships which don’t seem right – for example, a young teenager appearing to be the boyfriend/ girlfriend of a much older adult

Restricted freedom of movement

They don’t have documents that would allow them to travel – passports, ID, etc.
Limited opportunities to move freely
Few personal possessions
Wear the same clothes day-in day-out

Reluctance to seek help

Avoiding eye contact
Appearing frightened, or hesitant to talk to strangers
Fear of law enforcers
Fear of deportation
Unsure who to trust or where to get help
Fear of violence to them or their family

Physical appearance

Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as untreated injuries, anxiety, agitation, or appearing to be withdrawn and neglected
They look malnourished or unkempt
Wear clothes that are unsuitable for their work

Poor living conditions

They’re living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation
Working and living at the same address.

Unusual travel arrangements

They’re always be dropped off at/ collected from work; and very early in the morning or late at night
Children dropped off/ picked up in private cars or taxis at unusual times and in places where it isn’t clear why they’d be there.

These are all signs that someone could be held in modern slavery.

You can help.

If you’re concerned about someone, please call the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700. Or you can report a concern online here.

For more information about modern slavery please visit the Unseen website.

Schoolchildren bury time capsule in Midsomer Norton to mark start of construction of new Curo affordable homes

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:35:44 Z

Pupils from Somervale School today buried a time capsule on the site of a new development delivered by Curo and contractor E G Carter.

The time capsule was buried as part of a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction works at St Chads Green in Midsomer Norton, where 16 new affordable homes will be built by the end of the year.

Children were invited to provide items for the time capsule, which will remain underground for at least 30 years. Among the things they buried were a signed uniform tie in their school colours, pictures, letters describing life in 2019, their predictions for the future and a copy of Midsomer Norton Life magazine.

The new homes represent an investment by Curo of almost £2m and are being delivered in partnership with Homes England, who provided funding of £480,000 and Bath & North East Somerset, who have awarded a further £200,000 grant.

The development includes a mix of 15 houses with two, three and four bedrooms and a one-bedroom apartment. Four of the new homes will be available to buy via Shared Ownership, while the other 12 will be let at affordable rents to local people currently on the local authority’s housing waiting list.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re very excited to start building works with contractor EG Carter today at our new affordable development, where more local families will soon benefit from a secure, long-term home.

“Regeneration projects like this give us the opportunity to create high-quality affordable homes in key areas of towns and cities and we look forward to welcoming the new residents at St Chads Green later this year.

The 16 new family homes are replacing a former sheltered accommodation scheme of 23 flats, increasing the number of people to be housed at St Chads Green by 33 and responding to the greatest pressures on the housing list – which show that the highest demand for affordable housing in the local area is for family homes.

Bath & North East Somerset Council cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration, Councillor Paul Myers said: “As mayor of Midsomer Norton I am especially pleased to see this development break ground. Midsomer Norton is a great place to live and it’s fantastic that Curo, with support from the local authority and central government, are delivering a 100% affordable housing scheme here.

“This development will make a big difference to the local families who will move in at the end of the year, as they’ll be able to put down roots in a brand-new, modern and efficient home in an area they love.”

Joanna Postlethwaite, Headteacher of Somervale School, said: “The children were delighted to get involved in the event today and worked hard to put together a selection of items for the time capsule that will provide an historic snapshot of our school and town.

"We’re very pleased that 16 new families will get the chance to move to this great area soon and look forward to welcoming their children to our school.”

Curo News

Spot the signs of modern slavery and know how to report it

Schoolchildren bury time capsule in Midsomer Norton to mark start of construction of new Curo affordable homes