Modern slavery on our streets at Christmas?

While we enjoy our Christmas shopping, keep an eye out for the people who are begging. A persistent beggar, a young child, a scared woman – why are they there? The Clewer Initiative asks us this Christmas to consider if what we are seeing is forced slavery.

In a typical forced begging scenario, victims are transported by criminals to specific locations to beg for money which is then taken by the offenders. They will have no money of their own and their ID papers will have been removed. They cannot escape. This may be the end of a long journey to find a better life.

If you suspect a case of forced begging (or other modern slavery) phone the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700