BUSINESSES are being invited to a mini-roadshow at the Civic Offices, in London Road, today to learn more about modern-day slavery and human trafficking to mark Anti-Slavery Day.

A member of staff from the the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership will be available to answer questions during the sessions, and to provide information about the dangers and consequences of modern-day slavery.

Modern slavery includes offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.

In 2017, British people were one of the top three nationalities being exploited in this country alongside Albanians and Vietnamese.

Councillor Simon Bound, chairman of the Safer North Hampshire Partnership, said: “Anyone can become a victim of modern slavery – any age, race or gender. Modern slaves are sold like objects, forced to work for little or no pay, live in fear and squalor, have their freedom restricted and are at the mercy of their employers.

“Hampshire is not immune to modern-day slavery – and certain locations, such as car washes can be common sites of exploitation. While most of these are entirely legitimate, of the 360 cases of modern slavery cases found in car washes between October 2016 and June 2018, 12 were recorded in Hampshire.”

The roadshow will be in the foyer of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council office from 10am to 11.30am.

A range of leaflets, and other material, will be available during the sessions.

For more information, contact Rachael Wilkinson on communitysafetyteam@communitysafetynh.org

If you think someone may be a victim of modern slavery, call the 24/7 modern slavery helpline on 08000 121700.