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

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner