0h 1min, may 5, 2026 y - Record levels of Slavery in UK

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The rising cost of living and new technology are leading to record levels of exploitation in the UK, the independent anti-slavery commissioner (IASC) has warned.

Over 23,000 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the monitoring group in 2025, a 22% increase on the previous year and the highest number ever recorded.

A report published on Monday has warned that people trafficking, forced labour and sexual exploitation will become harder to detect in the coming years unless urgent action is taken against criminal networks.

More than a fifth of potential victims in 2025 were from the UK, the largest single group.

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