There were 33 NRM referrals by Bexley in 2022 (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard), a significant increase when comparing with 2021 when we had 20 referrals (Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify statistics UK, end of year summary 2021). Referrals from local authorities have been climbing nationally. Although there was a fall in referrals by Bexley in 2021 following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic this trend has resumed in 2022.

In 2022, the referrals started high (8 to 9 referrals) before falling to 5 referrals in Q4 (Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify statistics UK, end of year summary 2022). Past years have seen either a fall in referrals in Q4 or Q1 the following year.

In Bexley, referrals into the NRM have been in small numbers generally in comparison to the rest of London. This does not, however, mean that it is not a concern in our borough. We hope this strategy and accompanying toolkit will increase referral numbers further for what is a largely an under reported issue across the county. In Bexley, the Local Authority is the primary referrer (42% of referrals), with police referrals second highest (30% of referrals) (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard).

Over the last year, offence locations have remained relatively consistent with the highest number concentrated in the centre of the borough, a middling number of offences in the north of the borough, and relatively few in the south.  24 of the 33 referrals in 2022 were children, making up 73% of victims in that year (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard). 21 of these children were British nationals.

Nationally, the most common exploitation of adults is labour exploitation, and for children, it is criminal exploitation (CCE.)  This trend is reflected in Bexley also, with the majority referrals being of criminal exploitation, 5 referrals being child domestic exploitation, and 3 referrals being child sexual exploitation (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard). The most recorded exploitation of a victim as a child was criminal exploitation, and this was largely connected to County Lines (drug trafficking/movement of drugs around the country.) We understand that many gangs operate in surrounding boroughs and a small number of Bexley children have been groomed into or have links to gangs. Therefore, exploitation linked to County Lines would be more likely than for other reasons for our children and young people. However, not all criminal exploitation in the form of drug dealing is linked to gangs; many perpetrators operate independently. We need to ensure we have a clear understanding of the signs of Modern Slavery to respond appropriately and provide effective support. Modern Slavery in the UK is a home-grown issue.

Adult referrals made up 27% of referrals in 2022, being 9 people referred. This, however, is an underrepresentation, because data includes only those who consented to a referral and therefore the number of victims is expected to be higher than this. Most adults referred are young adults, aged 25-44 years. Adults referred into the NRM had a wider range of nationalities, including Albanian, British, Vietnamese and Kenyan. Numbers for each were low, between 1-3 referrals (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard).

Amongst adult victims, the highest recorded type of exploitation is forced criminality (6 victims) followed by sexual exploitation (2 victims) and labour exploitation (1 victim). Most victims of labour exploitation were men (79%) (Stop the Traffik Pan-London Dashboard). This is mostly found in car washes and construction sectors. Females are victims of labour exploitation predominantly linked to nail bars and hospitality. Sexual exploitation is generally linked to forced prostitution of women and in 2022, both all sexual exploitation cases had female victims. There is an increased prevalence of exploitation of vulnerable adults nationally in the care sector.

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.

Although understanding the rise or change in other Boroughs is helpful, Modern Slavery victims are working in communities, small businesses, private properties, and agricultural areas across the country which can mean each area has a unique set of circumstances. Many perpetrators operate across wide areas and are part of wider criminal networks. Many local authorities have parts of their community that are more transient, have the need for high numbers of agricultural workers or factory workers or have issues regarding gangs, in different measure. Modern Slavery is everywhere. You see it if you really look for it.