Thirty-seven modern slavery victims have been identified in Stoke-on-Trent over the last 12 months, a new report reveals.
A similar number of victims were found in the rest of Staffordshire, in every local authority area, according to the Stoke-on-Trent City Council report.
Children aged 17 or under accounted for more than a third of the total, while 65 per cent were the victims of either human trafficking or labour exploitation.
Council officials believe that the numbers will increase as people become more aware of modern slavery.
It is estimated that there are 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK, and around 43 million worldwide.
The city council is now set to adopt a modern slavery and human trafficking statement, which sets out the authority’s commitment ‘to eradicate this terrible crime’ in Stoke-on-Trent.
Local authorities are not required to adopt a statement under the Modern Slavery Act, but deputy council leader Abi Brown says its important that organisations as big as the city council take a stand.
She said: “We are one of the biggest employers in the city, and so by adopting this statement we will help make other people aware of modern slavery, and encourage them to take action against it.
“Modern slavery is, to a degree, quite hidden, so more people need to be aware of it. The report talks about the steps we’re taking, which include training for our staff. Most of our employees are residents as well, so it’s helping to increase awareness across the city.”
Two potential victims of modern slavery were identified during a recent operation, carried out by the city council, Staffordshire Police and other partners. The operation saw seven houses of multiple occupancy visited across the city.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the modern slavery statement when they meet today.
According to the statement, whenever the council procures goods or services it assesses suppliers to ensure the fulfil the requirements of the Modern Day Slavery Act.
The council also ensures that staff and councillors receive training on modern slavery.
The statement says: “Modern slavery and human trafficking is a terrible crime and a serious violation of human rights. It is a global phenomenon, and one which is now recognised as having a footprint within our local communities.
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“Stoke-on-Trent is a culturally diverse city, centrally based and with ease of access from other areas of the UK via the motorway network and from abroad. As a consequence, we are reflective of other large cities and attract those with the criminal intent to exploit vulnerable people.
“We recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.”
The statement will be continually reviewed and refreshed on an annual basis.
In October councillors voted unanimously in favour of a motion calling on the council to take a stand against modern slavery.
Councillor Andy Platt, who proposed the motion, welcomed the modern slavery statement.
He said: "It's important that we have this report, and I think it does address all the issues. But I think the most important thing is that this will be a regular report, coming back every year, so we will be able to see what progress is being made to tackle modern slavery."
Ann Grainger, co-ordinator of Voice of Hope, a Stoke-on-Trent charity which raises awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking, said: “It is an appalling fact that while most people consider the slave trade to have ended when slavery was abolished in 1807, there are more slaves in our world today than ever before in human history.
“Thousands of people here in the UK including people in Stoke-on-Trent are being deceived, unknowingly walking through the ‘door of no return’ into unimaginable abuse. Hidden in plain sight; hidden unwittingly in our communities. It is crime that reduces individuals into believing they have no value. It’s a crime that wraps victims in constant fear. To the perpetrators, victims are deemed as worthless, throwaway commodities.
“Voice of Hope, is a local charity based in Stoke on Trent, we started in January 2015 to raise awareness of this serious crime. We were greatly encouraged to hear the news that the council has committed to working towards the eradication of modern slavery here in our city.
“The council has expertise in partnership working in collaborating with schools to protect children or consulting with the housing sector to keep tenants safe, and lead the way in good, diligent and professional teamwork.”
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