More than 50% the UK public say they have witnessed modern slavery

NEW research from The Coalition to Stop Slavery has found that more than 50% of adults in the UK think they have spotted a victim of modern slavery, but only a little over 1 in 3 of those has ever raised concerns with Police or others; often because they are scared to do so. The findings suggest that 52% of the population have spotted people they think are victims of modern slavery; but only 35% of those have raised their concerns with Police or others. The survey also revealed that fear of repercussions from traffickers and not knowing how to report concerns are key reasons preventing people raising concerns.

Other findings include:-

Almost 9 in 10 of us (86%) believe the Government should do more to raise awareness of modern slavery in the UK; and that those responsible for the crime (88%) should face higher sentences

8 out of 10 of us believe companies should be required to do more to prevent modern slavery (83%) in their businesses and suppliers

Women are much more likely than men to strongly support initiatives to tackle modern slavery and trafficking 8 out of 10 of us want more resources for Police to investigate modern slavery crimes (84%)

The Coalition of 17 leading anti slavery charities partnered with Zappi, the leading consumer research platform, to survey adults in the UK about their attitudes and awareness of modern slavery. The researchwas released to mark the UK's Anti-Slavery Day, that was held on 18 October 2022, a date that was recognised by Parliament.

Beyond the public wanting the Government to raise awareness of modern slavery in the UK, 8 out of 10 (81%) of those questioned wanted the Government to ban imports of any products that have been tainted by modern slavery entering the UK. That's why, as well as spotting the signs of exploitation, the Coalition is also urging the public to sign a petition calling on the Government to ban the import of products made with forced labour. New ILO research shows that 50 million people are now thought to be in modern slavery globally, including millions of men, women and children in forced labour.

"Enough is enough... Modern slavery is a crime hidden in plain sight; it's happening in our communities, on our streets, it's also present in the everyday products we all buy. The good news is that we can all take action to stop it. Whether that's urging Government action to ban the import of products tainted by forced labour or learning how to spot the signs of exploitation in the UK and raise our concerns safely. 1 important way for the public to anonymously report signs of slavery is to call the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline." says Andrew Wallis OBE, a spokesperson for the Coalition.

Leading Police Officers and prosecutors agree that the public spotting the signs of exploitation is critical in the fight against human trafficking in the UK. Caroline Haughey KC says:- "The Pandemic of slavery is riven through our society. From the clothes we wear, to the food we eat and within many of the services we take for granted. It is everywhere, from Cities to villages, factories to fields, and we must not close our eyes to it. Where we see the signs of exploitation, when we have concerns about what is happening, we must report them. By failing to call it out, we become part of the problem rather than creating the solution."

The Coalition has set up a new website to help the public to take action by learning how to spot the signs of modern slavery and report it, and by urging Government action to stop slavery in supply chains:- CoalitionToStopSlavery.Org.

This research was conducted by Zappi between 2 September and 7 September 2022. Zappi interviewed a nationally representative online sample of 1,000 UK respondents, with:- demographic controls for age, gender, and ethnicity.
 

Cross party group launches inquiry into the cost of living crisis affecting rural areas

THE All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse is today issuing a call for evidence from across the rural economy to establish the effects the cost of living crisis is having on businesses and communities in the countryside.

The UK is in a cost of living crisis. Inflation is currently at 9.9% and is expected to climb higher. Energy prices are soaring, leading to a considerable financial squeeze on consumers and businesses alike. Rural areas face inherent inequalities such as sparsity which makes the cost of living more expensive on average, as well as being less productive with lower wages and higher house prices.

The inquiry will look at the impact of the cost of living crisis in rural areas to consider if rural areas are disproportionately affected by the economic situation, as well as considering what the longer term political consequences will be for rural areas, and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impacts.

The APPG will seek both oral and written evidence which will feed into a report to be published in early 2023 and will investigate 4 key themes:-

1. General impact on business and consumer.

2. Employment.

3. Housing.

4. Energy.

This new inquiry follows the highly influential report published earlier this year by the APPG: Levelling Up The Rural Economy: an inquiry into rural productivity, which collated evidence from over 50 industry bodies, charities, companies, campaign groups, academics and business leaders. The report produced 27 key recommendations for policy makers to unlock £43bn GVA in the rural economy and to close the 18% productivity gap compared to the national average.

The APPG encourages all stakeholders in the rural economy to contribute in order to produce the most detailed and comprehensive report into countryside businesses and rural communities yet.

Julian Sturdy MP (York Outer), co-chair of the APPG said:- "This inquiry couldn't be more timely. To understand the true effects of the cost of living crisis on rural communities, we need to hear from businesses and individuals alike. I strongly encourage anyone with any interest in the countryside, its businesses and communities to submit evidence to this report to ensure we build the most accurate picture possible to present to the Government."

Lord Cameron of Dillington, co-chair of the APPG said:- "The Government initially left out the needs of the countryside in their plan to level up the country. We must do everything we can to make sure that rural communities are not ignored by policy makers this time, as we face increasing hardships for rural businesses and families."

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents 28,000 farmers, land managers and rural businesses in England and Wales is supporting the inquiry.

Mark Tufnell, President of the Country Land and Business Association said:- "Rural businesses and communities have faced many crises over the last few years. During the Pandemic, it was the rural economy which successfully kept the nation fed during a time of unprecedented challenges. With the subsequent cost of living crisis still developing, with increased fuel, fertiliser, energy and food prices all still rising, the time is now to investigate the real impact that these challenges are having on not just businesses but for everybody who's life is tied to the countryside. The CLA has a broad range of members with incredibly varied enterprises across all aspects of the rural economy, and we will be strongly encouraging as many of our members as possible to submit evidence to this very important new inquiry."

To submit evidence, please email:- RuralPowerhouse@CLA.Org.UK and indicate the area(s) you wish to answer. The closing date for evidence is 25 November 2022.