Local authorities lack training to tackle modern slavery, new report finds

Many local authorities across England and Wales are falling short in training their staff to respond to modern slavery according to a new report by academics from Middlesex University working with the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group (ATMG) of Anti-Slavery International.

A number of councils lack the resources to conduct thorough supply chain checks, risking failure to identify potential labour exploitation by contractors, researchers found.

Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, local authorities are the ‘first responders’ in helping survivors who frequently use services they have responsibility for such as housing, social care, education and safeguarding.

Although most councils recognise the importance of addressing modern slavery, less than half have comprehensive training programmes in place, the study found.

Inconsistent training and limited awareness was highlighted in the report, with many local authority staff are unaware of their ‘first responder’ responsibilities. Where training exists, it was often limited to one-off sessions.

Researchers added that, while some councils have strong anti-slavery policies, others lack clear operational processes for identifying and supporting survivors. Miscommunication, lack of trust, and unclear responsibilities were also key factors found to hinder work between local authorities, local police and community organisations.

Nearly half (47%) of survey respondents expressed concerns regarding their council’s awareness of trafficking, domestic servitude, forced labour, and sexual exploitation.

Dr Sepideh Parsa, Associate Professor in Accounting at Middlesex University, said local authorities have a ‘vital role’ to play in prevention, identification and safeguarding – and they must be properly resourced and supported to do so.

“I am particularly concerned with how well-equipped local authorities are to fulfil their legal and moral responsibilities in tackling modern slavery. Our proposed training framework moves beyond tokenistic approaches. It offers a practical, scalable model tailored to the governance realities of local government. It supports staff and elected members to act confidently and collaboratively as first responders.”

Eleonora Fais, Coordinator for the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group at Anti-Slavery International, said UK Government should work with local authorities to address the barriers highlighted in the report and ensure modern slavery duties are embedded across local government structures to strengthen support for survivors.

“Everyone must be able to escape exploitation and be supported as they recover from their horrific experience of modern slavery.

“Local authorities are in a unique position to prevent modern slavery, identify individuals affected by it, and provide protection and support. But our research shows that they face significant barriers that undermine these efforts, like resource constraints and inconsistent or inadequate training for frontline staff.”