Between 2021 and 2022, Bexley saw a notable rise in NRM referrals, increasing from 20 in 2021 to 33 in 2022, showing a 65% increase (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard). This reflects a growing awareness and improved identification of modern slavery locally.

In Bexley, the London Borough of Bexley has consistently submitted the majority of NRM referrals compared to other local first responders such as the Police. Most referrals in 2022 were for children (73%), predominantly British nationals, with forced criminality being the most common form of exploitation. Adult referrals, though fewer (27%), represented a broader range of nationalities including Albanian, British, Vietnamese and Kenyan and exploitation types, including sexual and labour exploitation. These cases often involved young adults aged 25–44, with men more frequently exploited in sectors like car washes and construction, and women in nail bars and hospitality. (Bexley’s NRM and DtN Spreadsheet).

From 2022 into 2023, offence locations remained consistent, with central Bexley seeing the largest numbers, followed by the North of the borough and relatively few in the South. Whilst previously NRMs typically concerned children, the data shows an improvement identification of adult victims within the last two years. The diversity in nationalities and exploitation types also points to a broader understanding of modern slavery in the borough. These developments indicate that Bexley is progressing in its response, moving from isolated, low referral numbers to a more proactive and informed approach. This Strategy and its accompanying toolkit aim to build on that progress, ensuring that all forms of exploitation are recognised and addressed effectively.

In 2024, Bexley recorded 88 NRM referrals and 2 Duty to Notifies in 2024, representing a total of 90 concerns and placing the borough as the 6th highest referrer in the UK, with our neighbouring Kent ranked first (Bexley’s NRM and DtN Spreadsheet). This marks a significant increase from previous years and reflects a more balanced identification of both adult and child victims, each group accounting for 50% of referrals. This is a notable shift from 2023, when only 25% of referrals were adults. Most victims in Bexley were British nationals, followed by Bangladeshi, Nigerian, and Indian individuals, which differs from the national picture where Albanian and Vietnamese victims are more prevalent.

The most common forms of exploitation locally were Forced Criminality (35 referrals), Forced Labour (30), and Sexual Exploitation (5). Forced Criminality was most often linked to County Lines activity, while Forced Labour was connected to exploitation of workers on a visa. There has also been an increase in the identification of multiple forms of exploitation, particularly among children, such as the co-occurrence of criminal and sexual exploitation (Bexley’s NRM and DtN Spreadsheet).

Local data from the London Borough of Bexley mirrors national trends, with criminal exploitation remaining the most reported form, closely followed by labour exploitation (Bexley’s NRM and DtN Spreadsheet). Of particular concern are the 23 child referrals linked to criminal exploitation, often associated with County Lines activity. While some children have known links to gangs operating in neighbouring boroughs, others are exploited by individuals acting independently, highlighting the varied nature of perpetrators. This reinforces the importance of recognising the signs of exploitation beyond gang involvement and ensuring frontline professionals are equipped to respond effectively. Modern Slavery is not confined to specific areas or groups. It is a widespread, often hidden issue embedded in everyday environments, and our response must reflect that complexity.

We see these trends reflected nationally, in 2024 the UK recorded its highest number of NRM referrals since the system began, with 19,125 potential victims referred to the Home Office—a 13% increase from 2023 (16,990 referrals) (Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify statistics UK, end of year summary 2024).

Although understanding trends in other boroughs is helpful, modern slavery victims are often hidden in plain sight, working in communities, small businesses, private homes, and agricultural settings. Each area faces unique challenges shaped by its demographics, industries, and levels of transience. Many perpetrators operate across borough boundaries and are part of wider criminal networks. As such, our local response must remain proactive, informed, and tailored to the specific risks and vulnerabilities within Bexley. Modern Slavery is everywhere. You see it if you really look for it.