In Episode 5 of Ashfords on ESG, we explore the complex and often misunderstood issue of modern slavery in the UK. In this episode, we are joined by Sam Knights KC of Matrix Chambers, a leading barrister specialising in immigration, asylum and human rights law, who brings extensive experience advising on complex cases involving trafficking and modern slavery.
Moving beyond the corporate lens, this episode takes a step back to examine the reality of modern slavery itself, including what it means, how it manifests, and why it remains a critical issue within the “social” pillar of ESG.
Modern slavery is defined under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as encompassing:
At its core, modern slavery involves individuals being forced, threatened or deceived into situations of exploitation, where their freedom and identity are severely restricted.
As discussed in the episode, modern slavery is not a single, clearly defined concept but an umbrella term covering a range of exploitative practices. This lack of clarity can create challenges in identifying victims and applying legal protections.
Zoe and Sam also highlight the importance of understanding the legal definitions, the relevance of modern slavery in the UK, and the shortcomings of the current anti-slavery system. They explore how real-life cases illustrate the complexities of identifying victims, the role of criminal enforcement, and the risks of re-trafficking, before discussing what changes are needed to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
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