William Eichler 12 August 2022

Children’s charity raises alarm over modern slavery

Children’s charity raises alarm over modern slavery   image
Image: HTWE/Shutterstock.com.

A children’s charity has called for action as new figures show record numbers of children are being referred to the authorities as suspected victims of modern slavery, exploitation and trafficking.

New figures have revealed that a record number of children – 1,630 – were referred as suspected victims in this quarter – up nearly 20% on the previous quarter.

There was also a 49% increase in referrals of children suspected of being subject to labour exploitation and 484 children who were referred for criminal exploitation through county lines drug dealing.

Iryna Pona, policy and impact manager at The Children’s Society, said: ‘Professionals and the authorities must do more to identify signs that a child is being exploited, and child migrants must be given the time and space to disclose their experiences.

‘We want the Government to give all unaccompanied migrant children and all suspected victims of trafficking in the UK access to an independent guardian who can identify signs of exploitation and support them to stay safe and access the help they desperately need. For migrant children, this will include crucial support to navigate the complex asylum system.

‘We also want ministers to define child criminal exploitation – which includes county lines drug dealing – in law, and introduce a national strategy, backed by the funding needed, to end the current postcode lottery and ensure all young victims are identified early and get the support they need.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner