Over 500 business and safeguarding professionals in Northamptonshire have now been trained in signs of modern slavery.
The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner chairs the Modern Slavery Partnership, which has held events for managers of county businesses over the last 12 months to raise awareness and equip their staff to become the eyes and ears of Northamptonshire Police in cracking down on this crime.
Northamptonshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “I am very grateful to all the agencies who took part in this training programme.
“It is shocking that slavery continues to be an issue and it is happening in our county, right now. We need to make sure people are aware of the forms modern slavery can take and what to do about it if they suspect something is not right.”
The signs aren’t always obvious, but can include: looking scruffy, malnourished or injured; acting anxious; afraid or unable to make eye contact; working long hours; wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job; overcrowded living; poorly maintained accommodation or closed curtains; behaving like they’re being instructed by someone else; picked up/dropped off at the same time and place every day; don’t have access to money or identification.
Anyone with concerns should call 101 or report activity to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For help and advice, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.
