Modern slavery continues to affect thousands across the UK. But together, we are building a future where exploitation has no place.
In 2024, thanks to our partners, funders and thousands of supporters, we made measurable progress in our fight against modern slavery. From supporting survivors to influencing national policy and mobilising businesses to build resilient, ethical supply chains, our latest annual report shines a light on this work.
This report is more than data; it’s a testament to human strength, collective action, and the undeniable reality that modern slavery can—and is—being challenged.
11,000 reasons to keep going
Our UK-wide Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline remains a vital first point of contact for potential victims and first responders, providing free, confidential and independent support 365 days a year.
In 2024, our expert team handled 11,464 contacts, identifying nearly 5,000 potential victims across more than 2,000 cases. For the first time since its launch in 2016, more women than men were identified as potential victims, with sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, and domestic servitude dominating the cases.
For many, that initial call marks the first moment they are heard, believed, and supported.
Khadija’s (name changed to protect identity) call to the Helpline was a lifeline. Brought to the UK as a child and controlled through violence and lies, Khadija was exploited without pay for over a decade.
Eventually she managed to escape, only to face destitution and homelessness. A chance encounter with a charity worker connected her to the Helpline. What followed was real-time advocacy, police intervention, and safe housing.
Read Khadija’s full story on page 12 of our annual report.
Empowering survivors beyond crisis
In 2024, Unseen provided direct, trauma-informed support to over 300 survivors of modern slavery. At the heart of our approach is person-centred casework—meeting each individual where they are, and helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
Our men’s and women’s safe houses welcomed 29 individuals from 25 different nationalities, offering not only shelter but safety, consistency, and space to heal.
Through our specialist services, survivors are assisted with accessing emotional support, medical care, legal advice, and help securing employment and housing. Our experienced accommodation support officers and outreach caseworkers help survivors through every stage of recovery. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had someone truly on their side.
Take Victor (name changed to protect identity) for example. Having been identified as a victim of modern slavery following years of sexual abuse, he was able to enter Unseen’s outreach services where he was assigned a caseworker.
Today, we’re proud to say Victor is employed in the care sector, contributing to the community by helping people in vulnerable positions, and saving to move into his own home.
I’ve received immense support from Unseen and the staff, they are very kind and helpful. Coming into the safe house has allowed me to actualise my move-on plan back into a normal life. This support is going to have a lifelong impact on me. My life has improved a lot from sofa surfing to finding a safe place to live and getting a job, and being able to save some money to find a place of my own in a few months.”
Businesses taking a stand against worker exploitation
Modern slavery cannot be eradicated without corporate accountability. That’s why, through our Business Hub, Unseen partners with organisations to help them mitigate risks and build more resilient, ethical supply chains.
Through our Business Hub, we provide tailored, expert support that equips organisations to move beyond compliance and take meaningful action. Our services include:
- Modern slavery statement reviews.
- Training and e-learning.
- Gap analysis and risk assessments.
- Grievance mechanism design.
- Strategic consultancy.
In 2024, Unseen’s business services reached new heights:
- Growth of Business Hub to 57 members, including new clients Booking.com, McLaren Construction, and Santander.
- 1,800+ professionals trained, plus a further 33,000 reached via e-learning.
- 57 cases of potential exploitation raised through our Helpline Business Portal, identifying 190 at-risk workers.
We’re also proud to see major brands like Lidl, ASOS, and McDonald’s are now using Helpline data via our Business Portal to respond to live risks, embedding transparency into their supply chains and making real-time interventions to protect vulnerable workers.
See who else is taking action on pages 16 and 17.
A movement built on hope
Our impact is only made possible because of people who believe in change.
In 2024, individuals, businesses, and communities came together to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for our frontline services, campaigns and safe housing.
From skydives and half-marathons to the Big Give Appeal, which raised £75,000, every act of generosity fuels impact.
Donating to Unseen is important to me because I know that my money is making a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people. I hope and pray that someday soon there won’t be any need for charities to help victims of this horrific abuse. Until that day comes, I feel that it is every good person’s responsibility to help how they can.”
Join the movement
Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, donor, or advocate, your actions can make a world of difference for someone stuck in exploitation.
From donations to business partnerships, to fundraising and sharing our campaigns, there are many ways you can support our fight against modern slavery. Get involved today.
