“Modern slavery is closer than you think”, a new Government film campaign featuring ECPAT UK has warned.

The film enlists leading children’s charities and human rights defenders, including ECPAT UK, to encourage professionals and the public to recognise the signs to help stop modern slavery and trafficking in the UK.

“The victims may think they’re coming for a job or for a better life … and when they arrive here it is a very different story,” said Debbie Beadle, Head of Youth Development at ECPAT UK.

The film coincides with current debates in Parliament on the draft Modern Slavery Bill, with many experts calling on the Government to improve the legislation to address challenges confronting adult and child victims of modern slavery even after they have been identified by UK authorities.

“The public can do their bit in terms of spotting signs, but ultimately it is [up to] the professionals on the frontline – the police, social workers, immigration [professionals], health workers, education – to be aware that modern slavery exists in a variety of different settings,” Chloe Setter, Head of Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns, said.

More than seventy thousand supporters have joined ECPAT UK to call on the Government to immediately address gaps in protection for trafficked children in the Modern Slavery Bill.