What to do if you spot the signs

If you suspect that someone is in slavery, DO NOT try to talk to them about it, cause a scene or confront the suspected perpetrators as this will likely lead to increased harm for the victim and may also put you at risk.

If it’s safe to do so, gather as much detail as you can, e.g., descriptions of people involved, car registrations, why you have concerns, etc. but do not put yourself at risk in doing so.

If you have concerns that a stranger or someone you know is being or has been exploited, or even if you are unsure if someone needs help, REPORT IT. You have several options:

  • Contact the Police - For life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergencies, call 101
  • Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121 700 or fill out an online form
  • Call the Salvation Army’s 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733
  • Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an online form
  • Contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to report concerns about the mistreatment of workers on 0800 432 0804, or by email intelligence@gla.gov.uk

Seeking advice about your concerns

You should report any concerns and trust your instinct, but if you’re unsure or want further advice, you can use the following services:

  • Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503
  • Victim Support on 0808 16 89 111 or fill out an online form
  • Safe Car Wash app helps gather information on the location of individual hand car washes and the working conditions on each to build a clear picture of the hand car wash sector. If there is a high likelihood that modern slavery is occurring in the hand car wash, you will be asked to report your concerns to the Modern Slavery Helpline
  • Anti-Slavery International or other specialist anti-slavery organisations
  • Report human trafficking via the STOP APP which can be downloaded here. The STOP APP is a tool that enables anybody who knows, has seen or even heard a situation that they believe to be human trafficking, to talk about it in a safe and secure space (information is not shared with the police)