Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight
That is according to a new study* by the University of Hull and YouGov, published to mark Anti-Slavery Day (18 October). It reveals that although the majority of Brits recognise modern day slavery as both a global (73%) and UK (72%) problem, more than half (55%) admitted to not being aware of the most common signs.
The survey, commissioned by the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation at the University of Hull, examined the attitudes of 1,672 adults across the country.
It also found that whilst modern slavery is a concern for many (63%), the scale of the issue in the UK today is vastly underestimated. Less than one in ten (8%) strongly believe the true number of those trapped in slavery, which the Home Office estimates is 13,000, and a third believe it’s only women who are affected – when in reality it affects men and children too.
To draw awareness to the issue, the University of Hull is placing so-called ‘human packaging’ at key high-footfall locations throughout Hull city centre on Anti-slavery Day (October 18) as part of its #HiddenInPlainSight campaign.