Modern slavery in Britain is a “lucrative business” which is showing no signs of abating, according to the founder of a charity which supports adults who have been trafficked and find themselves enslaved.
Yvonne Hall, the founder and managing director of Palm Cove Society, believes all places of work should have a modern slavery policy to help stamp out the practice.
Her remarks follow a recent report by two official watchdogs which warned that Britain’s border force was missing thousands of victims and has prosecuted only two human traffickers since 2014.
There are an estimated 13,000 victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK, according to the the joint report by the chief inspector of borders, David Bolt, and the anti-slavery commissioner, Kevin Hyland.
In 2015, more than 3,200 potential victims were referred to the authorities through a system set up by the government to identify and support victims of trafficking.
Kevin Hyland co-authored the reportSome 94 per cent of those came from abroad, the investigation published on Thursday (February 2) showed.
However, less than one per cent of these potential victims were identified by border officials, the report said.
Hall told Eastern Eye that around 33 per cent of people supported by her organisation come from south Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The majority are women brought to the UK as new brides and exploited by their in-laws.
“Bringing victims over to be married off is a lucrative business, so I think it will continue and it is increasing. It’s a huge problem,” she said.
“They [victims] have no recourse to public funds and are beholden to the people who bring them in. They are brought in as domestic slaves and put to work by families,” Hall explained.
“We have also have men who have been married to British women, brought over and made to work in the family’s factory.
“When they are brought into the UK, they believe they are coming to a good job and a good family. They are told a web of lies, and are deceived.”
Hall rescued and supported three women who were enslaved by Aravindan Balakrishnan in his Maoist cult in south London for decades. She recently featured in a documentary about the high-profile case, and her organisation works in partnership with police services and the Home Office.
She said some of the women who are referred to the charity are victims of domestic abuse in the family home and are treated “absolutely horrendously”.
“When we sit down and talk to them, they have been trafficked into the UK for the purpose of labour exploitation, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, all those things under the guise of marriage. So this is another form of domestic slavery.”
When asked if it was an issue that the government recognised, Hall said it was another aspect of domestic slavery that she was working to highlight.
Victims are often abused for months and trapped because if they leave the marriage, not only will their husbands and in-laws turn against them, but the community will too, Hall said.
“It has a real impact on the whole emotional, physical and psychological well-being and those are the things that we have to try and rebuild. If they escape, their confidence takes a huge emotional knock, family members in south Asia and the UK reject them and turn against them because they have walked away from the marriage. It’s very difficult.
“We have people who are very isolated, very vulnerable in a new country, with children or perhaps pregnant, who are very much alone. Sometimes their passports are confiscated, so we have to try and regularise their immigration status,” she explained.
Meanwhile, homeless charity group The Passage said last month that they were hearing of rogue employers exploiting the rising number of rough sleepers on Britain’s streets and luring them into a life of modern slavery in the building and farming sectors, and even illegal boxing.
Of the 61 homeless organisations surveyed by the charity, 64 per cent had come across cases of modern slavery.
Case workers cited vulnerable homeless people who were recruited off the street to work in building sites, on farms and to take part in illegal boxing matches for little or no pay.
The Modern Slavery Act became law in March 2015 and increased jail terms for traffickers. It brought in measures to protect people feared at risk of being enslaved.
In January, two Polish brothers were jailed for stealing wages of around 18 other Poles they tricked with promises of work in the UK.
Hall believes the next step would be for all organisations to have a modern slavery policy to tackle the issue.
In an initiative launched in December, hotels across Britain pledged to fight modern slavery, by encouraging staff and guests to help spot signs of trafficking in hotel foyers and corridors.
In America recently, a flight attendant rescued a victim of trafficking after she spotted a girl looking dishevelled on a plane accompanied by a well-dressed man.
When she tried to speak to the two passengers, the man reportedly became defensive and the girl wouldn’t engage in conversation. The crew member subsequently left a note for the teenager in the plane’s toilet, which she later responded to with the message: “I need help.” The man was arrested when the flight landed in San Francisco.
When it comes to spotting signs of slavery, Hall admitted it could sometimes be very difficult to detect and believed more training was needed for border staff.
She said clues included women travelling with a group of men who were much older, and people who clearly looked like they were in distress.
“Our team has worked with the police at local airports and they are very good at spotting anomalies,” Hall said.
The detailed report by Bolt and Hyland said considerable efforts had been made to train staff in tackling trafficking, but some officers told inspectors they had completed the mandatory training as a box-checking exercise and saw their priority as moving queues at the borders quickly.
It acknowledged frontline officers faced a difficult task, but said the force had to make urgent changes to meet its responsibility to lead anti-slavery efforts at the border.
A spokesman from the Home Office said it was already taking action to address key issues raised in the report.
“The Border Force has a key role to play in identifying and protecting victims and stopping the callous criminals who exploit them. This work takes place not only at the UK border but in targeted operations at sea and working with law enforcement agencies at home and around the world. But we are determined to do more and continue to improve our response.”
Keir Starmer speaks during a reception for public sector workers at 10 Downing Street in London on July 1, 2025. (Photo by CARL COURT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer faced the most serious test of his leadership on Tuesday (1) as his government’s flagship welfare reforms came under fierce attack from within his own party.
The day was marked by emotional speeches, last-minute concessions, and a deep sense of division among Labour MPs, many of whom said the proposed changes would push vulnerable people into poverty
The atmosphere in the House of Commons as tense, with about 50 Labour MPs expected to vote against the bill, reported The Times.
The government, aware of the scale of the rebellion, was reportedly considering further concessions, including delaying the most controversial measures until after a full review of the welfare system.
One of the most contentious points was the introduction of a four-point threshold for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility, which critics said would deny help to those unable to wash or dress below the waist from November 2026
Marie Tidball, one of the only MPs with a visible physical disability, delivered a moving speech, saying, “It is with a broken heart that I will be voting against this bill today. As a matter of conscience, I need my constituents to know I cannot support the proposed changes to PIP as currently drafted. Low-level support like PIP helps disabled people, keeping us out of the dark corners of hospitals, prisons and social care settings.”
She warned that the changes could put about 150,000 people into poverty.
Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, has announced she will vote against the bill, citing deep concerns about its impact on disabled people.
Apsana Begum
Begum said, “When it comes to people’s lives and wellbeing, there can be no compromise. Politics should serve people – not the other way around.” She criticised the planned £3.5 billion cuts to disability benefits, calling them unacceptable.
The MP expressed strong opposition to what she described as a “two-tier system” that would force disabled people into greater hardship.
Begum also pointed out the anxiety felt by disabled constituents in her area, who have already endured years of austerity and hardship. “I say to them: I am with you,” she declared.
She also condemned other welfare measures such as the two-child limit and the “poisonous narrative” that blames people for their poverty. “My constituents voted for an end to austerity. They want a welfare system that supports people, not one that pushes into poverty,” Begum said.
“That’s why I’m voting against this cruel Disability Benefit Cuts bill”
Rebecca Long Bailey, a former Labour leadership contender, echoed these concerns. She said the planned cuts “will still push hundreds of thousands of vulnerable sick and disabled people into poverty,” adding that “existing claimants will live in fear that if the situation changes and they are reassessed, they could lose everything under the new system.”
Long Bailey criticised the government for rushing the bill through without proper consultation, warning that it would worsen human rights violations already highlighted by the United Nations
Dame Meg Hillier, who had initially led efforts to block the bill, withdrew her amendment after the government agreed to a “staggered approach.”
She told the Commons, “Divided parties do not hold power or government. If we want to power our government, if we want to see our values in this country, we have to vote for this today.” Yet she admitted that “there is still a lot to be done” to protect disabled people and those seeking work
Meanwhile, the government’s climbdown last week was prompted by a major revolt from Labour MPs who argued the original proposals went too far. More than 120 MPs had signalled their willingness to rebel, forcing ministers to water down the changes.
The new plan means the stricter criteria for sickness and disability benefits will only apply to new claimants, not those already receiving support
Secretary of state for work and pensions, Liz Kendall, presented the revised bill to parliament, but newly released government data estimated that even the watered-down reforms could push an extra 150,000 people into poverty.
This left some Labour MPs still reluctant to back the bill, with backbenchers exposing “so many holes in the government’s plans,” as one put it
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio, “We’re all trying to find a way to protect the most vulnerable people and get people back into work if they need it,” defending the government’s approach.
However, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch rejected the bill outright, calling it “a fudge” and saying, “A fundamental and serious programme to reform our welfare system is required, and this bill is not it."
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Letby, from Hereford in western England, was charged in 2020 after a series of deaths in the hospital's neo-natal unit.
POLICE on Tuesday said they had arrested three senior staff members at the hospital where nurse Lucy Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies. The arrests were made on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The investigation was launched in 2023 at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) in northwest England, following Letby’s conviction and life sentence for killings that took place between 2015 and 2016.
Arrests part of wider criminal probe
Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said the three individuals were "part of the senior leadership team at the CoCH in 2015-2016" and were arrested on Monday.
He confirmed they were held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and have been released on bail.
Hughes said the arrests were the first under the wider criminal investigation into the hospital’s handling of the baby deaths. He added that the arrests had no impact on Letby’s convictions.
Letby case and ongoing review
The case drew national attention during trials held in 2023 and 2024. Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others.
Letby, from Hereford in western England, was charged in 2020 after a series of deaths in the hospital's neo-natal unit. She has maintained her innocence throughout.
According to the prosecution, she attacked the premature babies—usually during night shifts—by injecting air, overfeeding with milk, or using insulin.
In February, a panel of international experts said the evidence used to convict her was flawed. They suggested the babies may have died due to natural causes or poor medical care.
Letby’s legal team has submitted an application to the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to examine if there was a possible miscarriage of justice in her two trials.
(With inputs from AFP)
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Uber Eats and Deliveroo will tighten ID checks, including facial verification, to curb illegal migrant work after UK government pressure. (Photo: Getty Images)
FOOD delivery companies Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat have agreed to strengthen security measures, including facial verification checks, to prevent irregular migrants from working through their platforms, following criticism from the UK government.
The announcement came after the Labour government summoned the three firms for a meeting in response to a report by The Sun which exposed how some migrants were bypassing rules and working illegally in the gig economy sector.
Although the companies already have controls to verify workers’ legal right to work in the UK, the Home Office said "there continues to be abuse in the sector" through account sharing.
Facial verification checks to be expanded
According to the government, many asylum seekers who cross the Channel and await decisions on their asylum claims are using verified delivery driver accounts rented from others to work illegally. These individuals do not have the legal right to work while their claims are pending.
The Home Office said the delivery platforms have “agreed to increase the use of facial verification checks” to ensure “only registered account holders can work off their platforms.” The companies also committed to “combat illegal working”.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal working across the board,” said Border Security and Asylum minister Angela Eagle.
Immigration pressure and proposed legislation
Prime minister Keir Starmer has faced pressure from the anti-immigration Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage to reduce irregular migration. A new immigration bill currently before parliament seeks to expand police powers against smuggling networks and tighten work eligibility controls.
Since January, over 19,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats to reach the UK from France, marking a record number for this point in the year despite efforts to deter such journeys.
French officials, including former interior minister Gerald Darmanin, have said that the availability of illegal work opportunities in the UK continues to act as a pull factor for migrants making the crossing.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Joseph has chaired several BRIT Awards shows and was an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 documentary Amy.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS (RSA) has announced the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its next chief executive officer. He will take over the role in September, succeeding Andy Haldane.
Joseph previously served as chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK for 17 years. During his time at the company, he oversaw its transformation into a global exporter of British music and worked with several major international artists.
He began his career in advertising before moving into music, where he held roles in artist development and label management. He became chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK in 2008.
Alongside his commercial career, Joseph has been involved in a number of social and cultural initiatives. In 2019, he launched Universal Music’s Creative Differences initiative, which produced the first industry handbook for supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. The handbook has been adopted by more than 200 organisations globally.
He is a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, a group focused on climate issues in the cultural sector, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years. In 2013, he collaborated with Baroness Doreen Lawrence to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder through the Unity project. He also serves as Chair of the Grenfell Foundation.
Joseph has chaired several BRIT Awards shows and was an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 documentary Amy.
RSA Chair Sir Loyd Grossman said: “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary.
“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world. These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
Commenting on his appointment, Joseph said: “The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential. At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change - uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global Fellowship to spark ideas that shape society. I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together.”
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People take part in a protest against disability welfare cuts on June 30, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
DOZENS of Labour MPs are expected to vote against the government’s welfare reforms despite recent concessions aimed at easing opposition.
The government had initially planned to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (Pip) but later said the stricter rules would only apply to new claimants from November 2025.
Ministers also promised a review of the Pip assessment process, in partnership with disability organisations, due to conclude by autumn 2026.
More than 120 Labour MPs had signed an amendment to block the legislation, though a revised amendment supported by 39 MPs and backed by disability charities remains active.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC her party would oppose the bill, saying, “The benefits bill is too high. It was £40bn just before Covid. It is now projected to be a £100bn by 2030. And what Labour is doing is not making any savings at all.”
Labour MP Olivia Blake, who opposes the reforms, told BBC Newsnight, “I strongly believe that these kind of punitive measures of cutting welfare are not going to have the outcomes that we've been told they will.”
According to Department for Work and Pensions modelling, the revised proposals could push 150,000 people into poverty by 2030, down from an earlier estimate of 250,000.
Sir Stephen Timms, who will lead the review, told BBC Newsnight the government’s measures would help reduce poverty and make Pip more sustainable.