Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Modern Slavery is the exploitation of individuals through slavery, servitude or forced labour while human trafficking is the recruitment, movement or harbouring of individuals through coercion or deception for the purposes of exploitation. Both terms encompass various forms of exploitation including forced labour.
People are trafficked all over the world. People can be trafficked within the UK and also into the UK from another country.
People who are trafficked might not speak the language of the country they are in and may have had their travel and identity documents removed.
They are often told that if they try to escape, they or their families will be harmed.
People who are trafficked can have their organs removed to be sold, be forced to work in the sex industry, as domestic slaves, labourers, or told to commit criminal activity, and can be punished if they do not comply.
There is no ‘typical’ victim. Some people don’t understand that they have been exploited and may have consented to elements of their exploitation, or accepted their situation. However, all victims of modern slavery are entitled to help and support.
Therefore, it is important to be aware when you are interacting with guests visiting your hotel.
Identifying potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
Is the guest in possession of a passport, identification or travel documents? Are these documents in the possession of someone else?
Does the guest have few or no personal possessions? Do they appear to be in control of the possessions that they do have i.e. money, bankcards, ID documents, etc.?
Does the guest act as if they are being instructed or coached by someone else?
Do they allow others to speak for them when spoken to directly and/or does a third party insist on being present and/or translating?
Is the guest in poor physical health i.e. appears malnourished or fatigued; shows signs of physical injury or restraint?
Does the guest appear confused, fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid? Do they avoid eye contact?
Does the guest have freedom of movement?
Does the guest appear to have a lack of knowledge of their whereabouts and/or what city they are in?
It can be helpful to be able to identify people who are potentially trafficking people and using your hotel.
Some questions you may want to think about:
Does the same guest make regular bookings at the hotel and present with numerous different guests each time?
Does the person appear to be acting in an overtly controlling manner towards the other guest/s that they are with?
Does the regular guest appear to check in with another guest but always checks out on his or her own?
Does the guest have numerous visitors to their room during their stay that only stay for relatively short periods of time?
Is the person trying to conceal their face, avoiding CCTV cameras?
If you have noted any of the above, make a note of what is happening and seek advice from the City of London Police or the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700
Remember: Trafficking also relates to any movement of an adult or child by force or deception for the purpose of labour, sexual exploitation, or activities in which others benefit financially. This doesn't have to be between countries it can be short distances within the local area.
See Something, Say Something
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Bookings made in different names to those who check in.
A guest who may not speak the same language as the person checking in.
A guest who requests a room that is isolated and private.
Multiple visitors to a room and/or signs of sexual activity (lots of condoms or their wrappers).
Room Service – alcohol orders for guests who appear to be underage.
Guests who do not want their rooms to be cleaned.
A young girl/boy with an unrelated older man/group of men.
A guest who is under someone else’s control or physically and / or emotionally distressed (including being overly submissive / bruises / cigarette burns).
A guest whose passport is in somebody else control and inaccessible to themselves.
Signs of alcohol, drug or substance misuse.
A guest who appears incoherent or uncomfortable and who may act under instruction.
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Record and keep notes with more details of all suspicious activity.
What, when, where, who, why is it suspicious?
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City of London Police 101
Or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121
Sexual Exploitation
The scale and extent of sex work in England and Wales is not properly understood. As a result, the number of people selling or exchanging commercial sexual services is unknown and we do not have any reliable measure of the extent to which sex workers may be coerced or controlled by others. However, police and partner data indicates that sexual exploitation is a significant driver of modern slavery. Where exploitation and coercion is found, police will treat sex workers as victims and adopt a safeguarding and investigative approach.
The legislation in relation to hotels
Sex workers often use hotels for safety and privacy and there are no criminal offences being committed if they are operating entirely independently and of their own free will from a single hotel room. There may be soliciting offences present if they are attracting clients on the streets outside of the hotel. If multiple sex workers operate out of one hotel it may fall within the legislation connected to the ‘keeping of brothels’ which involves two or more persons occupying the same premises simultaneously for the purpose of providing sexual services.
Areas of risk
Due to the often hidden nature of sex work, hotels are premises that are frequently used for the exploitation and trafficking of sex workers which makes it a major concern for the hospitality industry. If you have concerns about someone potentially providing sexual services from your premises who may be subject to exploitation you should report this to the Police so that officers can attend and conduct an initial safeguarding conversation with the person concerned.
Possible risk factors for sexual exploitation can be found in identifying potential victims of modern slavery and trafficking above.
What to do if you suspect your hotel is being used for Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking or Sexual Exploitation?
Call the Police in every instance for advice and guidance on 101. You can contact them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call 999 if someone is in immediate harm or you are concerned they may be in danger