IOSH Report Exposes Major Gaps in UK Firms' Modern Slavery Defences
Published on 08/09/2026 at 19:27 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
A new white paper from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has revealed that 70 percent of UK organisations have failed to implement formal risk assessments for modern slavery within their operations and supply chains. The findings, published on 9 August 2026, signal a significant disconnect between corporate policy and the reality of workplace protections, with implications for employers across every sector.
Policy and Training Shortfalls
The research found that 62 percent of organisations have no formal commitment to tackling modern slavery, and the same proportion fail to provide staff with specific training on recognising or responding to signs of exploitation. This gap is particularly concerning given that modern slavery can sit hidden within supply chains that UK businesses rely on daily.
Reporting Mechanisms Lacking
A further 44 percent of UK organisations lack a formal mechanism for workers to report suspected cases of modern slavery. Despite these procedural shortcomings, 56 percent of firms expressed confidence in their ability to manage such risks — a disconnect IOSH says highlights the need for stronger regulatory pressure.
The findings highlight how easily workplace risks can go undetected without proper documentation. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists helps you identify and record hazards before they become enforcement issues. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
The Scale of the Problem
Globally, approximately 50 million people are living in modern slavery. In the UK, 2025 data identified 23,411 potential victims, underscoring the scale of potential exploitation within British borders. IOSH is now calling for mandatory due diligence requirements to ensure organisations take active steps toward identifying and eradicating exploitation.
Government Response and Victim Support
The white paper's release coincides with wider efforts to tackle trafficking. The Home Office recently awarded a £25 million contract to Barnardo's to expand its Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship (ICTG) service, with the aim of covering every local authority in England and Wales.
Referrals to the service reached 2,730 in the year ending March 2025 — a 10 percent increase on the previous year. Since its establishment in 2017, the service has handled more than 11,700 referrals.
Legal Recognition Advances
The legal landscape around victim recognition is also shifting. Earlier this month, the Home Office recognised four additional women abused by the late Mohamed Al Fayed as victims of modern slavery, bringing the total in that investigation to five following an initial recognition in April 2026. Police have widened their investigation to include trafficking, with four individuals recently interviewed under caution.
With regulators calling for stronger due diligence, having robust compliance documentation has never been more important. A free Health & Safety toolkit provides risk assessments and checklists aligned with UK regulations, helping you protect your workforce and demonstrate good practice. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Regulatory Developments in the Gambling Sector
In related developments, the Gambling Commission will introduce new financial risk assessments from July 2026, targeting affordability and potential financial exploitation in the betting sector. The move comes as black-market gambling activity grew to £16.6 billion in 2025.
