Is modern slavery thriving in the UK?
Monday 5 November 2018, 7pm–8.30pm GMT
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 14: People marching against modern slavery through London wearing face masks representing the silence of modern slaves in forced labour and sexual exploitation on October 14, 2017 in London, England. PHOTOGRAPH BY Mathew Chattle / Barcroft Images Photograph: Mathew Chattle / Barcroft Images/Mathew Chattle / Barcroft Images
As Anti-Slavery Day approaches in October, Annie Kelly, Guardian and Observer journalist and editor of the Guardian's Modern-day slavery in focus series, will be chairing a panel, including Felicity Lawrence, special correspondent for the Guardian; human rights lawyer Parosha Chandran, Lara Bundock, founder and director of the Snowdrop Project, about the exploitation and abuse happening under our noses and Andrew Wallis, ceo of Unseen and the Modern Slavery Helpline.
The government estimates there are 13,000 people working as slaves in the UK's fields, nail bars, restaurants, car washes, and in private accommodation. Every year thousands of children are identified as trafficking victims, having been forced to work on cannabis farms, traffic drugs across borders, and beg and steal.
Many of us are aware of the working conditions under which our mobile phones and £6 T-shirts are produced, but few of us know how to hold those responsible to account. In 2015 the government passed the Modern Slavery Act, a groundbreaking legislation designed to tackle illegal working conditions - but has it made a difference?
Join our panel as they examine what modern slavery looks like in the UK, who is affected, and how we can spot it when we come across it in our day-to-day lives.
Running time: 90 minutes, no interval. Please join us after the discussion for a networking drinks reception.