Modern slavery in the UK has reached record levels and is projected to worsen over the next decade, according to a report by the government's independent anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons. The number of referrals to the national referral mechanism, which identifies and supports victims, has nearly doubled from 12,691 in 2021 to 23,411 in 2025, the highest ever recorded.
The report, titled 'Anticipating Exploitation: A Futures-Based Analysis', attributes this rise to both improved detection and deteriorating conditions in the UK and globally. Lyons highlighted that poverty, global instability, conflict, displacement, and the breakdown of safe migration routes are creating a growing pipeline of vulnerability that traffickers exploit.
The report warns that without urgent action, the situation could worsen further due to emerging threats such as AI being used to scale up exploitation, increased use of digital labour in 'scam compounds', and integration of cryptocurrencies into trafficking models. Concerns were also raised about the growth of gig economy platforms, coercive labour in agriculture and construction, and a rise in reproductive slavery.
Lyons called for increased funding for specialist police units, more prosecutions of businesses exploiting workers, a national campaign to help the public recognise and report exploitation, and improved victim care. The Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings also urged the UK to adopt further measures, including more resources and better coordination between law enforcement agencies.
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged modern slavery as a 'global scourge' and stated the government is committed to reviewing the system to reduce misuse while protecting victims. They noted ongoing work with survivors to inform policy and reduce the backlog of cases.
