
The figures are part of the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline Annual Assessment, a yearly stocktake of UK slavery and human trafficking.
Findings include:
- Nearly 8,500* contacts in 2021 from victims, professionals working in services such as the NHS, businesses and members of the public
- A potential 3,019 victims of modern slavery indicated as a result of this contact
- 6.4% of victims were children
- A 51% increase in the number of modern slavery cases where a potential victim contacted the Helpline themselves
- Potential victims came from 76 nationalities, with Romania being the most common, followed by Vietnam, China, Albania and Sudan.

Data from the Helpline, which is run by the anti-slavery charity Unseen, helps to shed light on the nature and scale of slavery in the UK where, experts estimate, there are up to 136,000 in slavery at any one time.
The Helpline’s Annual Assessment, which includes figures for every nation and region in the UK**, is one of the most detailed reports produced by the sector.
Data is used by other charities, the police, local and national governments and businesses to inform policy and respond directly to reports of slavery and human trafficking.
The Helpline is free, staffed by trained advisors and operates around the clock.
Says Justine Currell: “The bulk of the reports we’re getting about sexual exploitation are tip-offs about private addresses as well as online ads where the sex buyer has reported something to us.
“This crime is well hidden, yet often right under our noses. I urge the public to contact us if they have the slightest suspicions about anything they’ve seen.
“I’m encouraged by the huge increase in potential victims of slavery contacting us this year for help and support, which make up a much bigger proportion of contacts than previous years. This suggests we’re getting our number out to the right people.
“But we also rely on the public and frontline workers in places like the NHS and police to contact us about anything they’ve seen.
“You can see the signs of slavery to look out for on our website, but if you are worried about anything, it’s always best to get in touch.”
*8,488. This is a 6.4% increase on the total for 2020
**By police force area