by
Kim Gibson
Sustainable procurement manager, Kier
* Content warning: This article discusses modern slavery, exploitation, and trauma, which some readers may find distressing.
Modern slavery isn’t a distant issue - it’s happening here, in our communities, often hidden in plain sight. As someone who works in ethical labour practices at Kier, I’ve long been committed to protecting workers across our supply chains. But I wanted to do more. I wanted to stand alongside those who’ve experienced exploitation firsthand and help them access the support they need to rebuild their lives.
That’s why I became a First Responder for The Salvation Army.
Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers a range of exploitative practices - human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation, such as forced theft or drug cultivation. Victims are often trapped through threats, violence, and coercion, unable to seek help or escape.
The Salvation Army holds the government contract to provide specialist support for adult survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales. But before survivors can access this help, they must be referred through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) - a formal process that begins with a First Responder.
First Responders are trained individuals from designated organisations, including the police, local authorities, and a small number of charities. The Salvation Army is the leading referrer, and it trains volunteers to meet the growing demand for this vital work.
In January 2025, I used one of my two Kier volunteering days to attend an in-person, all-day First Responder workshop. The training was intense and deeply moving. We explored the different forms of modern slavery, learned how to spot key indicators, and practiced trauma-informed communication. We also discussed how to work sensitively across cultures and languages - an essential skill when supporting survivors from diverse backgrounds.
Now, as a trained First Responder, I help survivors share their experiences and submit their accounts to the Home Office through the NRM. This process opens the door to life-changing support: safe accommodation, medical care, counselling, and legal advice. It’s a powerful way to stand alongside survivors and help them reclaim their lives.
Why this work matters
The work I do acts as a gateway to protection and support. By documenting a survivor’s story and submitting it through the NRM, we open the door to government-funded services that offer safety, stability, and hope.
Creating accurate, detailed statements not only supports survivors but also helps law enforcement identify traffickers, strengthen investigations, and build cases that can dismantle criminal networks.
Each referral also shines a light on the realities of modern slavery - driving stronger policies, better prevention, and greater public understanding.
This work has deepened my understanding of exploitation and strengthened my resolve to advocate for ethical labour practices - not just in policy, but in action. Being a First Responder is one of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to contribute directly to the fight against modern slavery. It’s a reminder that behind every policy and procedure are real people - survivors - who deserve dignity, safety, and a future free from exploitation.
Read more about the impact of Kim’s work
A man from overseas, whose identity is being withheld for his protection, has come forward with a harrowing account of exploitation and abuse after arriving in the UK, shedding light on the ongoing issue of modern slavery.
The individual, who we will refer to as “A,”. He arrived in the UK in 2010 on a student visa but was unable to complete his studies due to financial difficulties.
The recruitment and false promises
In May 2021, A was approached by two men while sitting outside. They offered him work, promising a daily wage of £80. Trusting these assurances, he accepted the offer. He was then transported in a white van to a factory site approximately 30 minutes away.
Exploitation behind closed doors
Initially, A received the promised payment for three to four days, but after that, his wages stopped completely. He was confined in a small room within the factory, locked from the outside, and subjected to repeated physical abuse. The injuries he sustained left permanent scars, and he was denied any medical treatment.
The factory, a construction site where walls were being built, was virtually deserted except for A, a third man of British ethnicity, and the two exploiters who frequently visited. Throughout his month-long captivity, A endured harsh conditions: minimal food and water, and at times was forced to drink urine, a trauma that has left him with lasting physical and psychological effects. He now struggles with the thought of persistent body odour he believes is linked to this abuse, which has isolated him socially.
A was told by his captors that if he attempted to leave, he would be killed. Without access to a phone or any means of communication, escape seemed impossible. Eventually, after about a month, he was abandoned unconscious by the roadside. Afraid of law enforcement, he sought refuge with a friend an hour away.
Ongoing trauma and need for support
Currently, A is safe and staying with friends but continues to suffer from extreme anxiety and social withdrawal. The psychological impact of his ordeal remains profound, affecting his ability to engage with others and leave his home.
As a first responder, I noticed A had numerous indicators consistent with modern slavery, including false promises, abusive living and working conditions, withheld wages, physical violence, restricted movement, and psychological trauma. These findings prompted a formal referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the UK’s framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery.
The broader picture
A’s story is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers faced by vulnerable individuals in the UK. It highlights the critical need for vigilance among authorities and communities to recognize the signs of exploitation and provide timely support to victims.
Efforts to combat modern slavery depend on the courage of survivors like A who share their experiences, and the dedication of frontline responders committed to helping them rebuild their lives.