City sees modern slavery referrals double
Getty ImagesA city has seen the number of modern slavery cases double over the past year, a council has said.
Portsmouth City Council has revealed a sharp rise in the number of modern slavery cases being referred.
According to council documents shared during a recent meeting, referrals from Portsmouth to the National Referral Mechanism rose to 32 in 2024, compared to 16 in 2023. Of these, 30 involved individuals under the age of 18.
The increase in referrals does not automatically point to more cases, the council explained, but is likely linked to growing awareness and improved recognition of modern slavery.
Modern slavery includes people being forced to work, treated as property, controlled by employers, and having their freedom restricted.
The council is part of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership, with senior managers from both adult and children's safeguarding teams involved.
Across Hampshire, 350 potential victims were identified last year.
Councillor Lee Hunt said: "Modern slavery is a scourge on our city's life – the government has got to continue funding it because it is a very miserable affair."
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