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Modern slavery isn’t far away or long ago. It’s here, woven into daily life, and too often dismissed as something else. We sit down with Lauren Saunders, Deputy Director of Frontline Services at Unseen, to uncover how exploitation hides in UK homes, care settings, nail bars, construction sites and supply chains—and what it takes to bring people to safety and hold perpetrators to account.
Lauren explains what modern slavery looks like today, from forced labour and domestic servitude to sexual and criminal exploitation, and clarifies the difference between trafficking and smuggling. We dig into red flags the public can spot, why victims may not recognise their exploitation, and how a culture of belief shapes better policing and prosecutions. We also connect the dots between consumer choices and forced labour, exploring how complex supply chains in agriculture, hospitality and construction can mask abuse. If you’ve ever wondered what to do when something feels wrong, this conversation gives you clear steps, useful resources and the conviction to act.

Unseen's Christmas Big Give appeal: https://www.unseenuk.org/one-call-can-change-a-life-support-unseens-helpline-this-christmas/

Unseen's website: https://www.unseenuk.org/

Credits

Guest: Lauren Saunders

Producer: Charlotte Janes

Soundtrack: Particles (Revo Main Version) by [Coma-Media]

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