To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Day Sefton Council is reminding people about its commitment to tackling modern slavery.

Individuals have been trafficked into, out of or within the UK for a number of reasons including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and organ harvesting. There are thought to be around 13,000 victims and survivors of modern slavery in the UK.

People can visit www.sefton.gov.uk/modernslavery to find out more about modern slavery and how they can spot the signs of it.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “Examples of modern Slavery taking place in Merseyside have been found recently so it is important we all remain alert to the signs that could be happening in our neighbourhood or at a business we use.

“Those signs can include a person living at their workplace with their employer, someone housed with multiple other people in a cramped living space or a person who has no identification or travel documents.

“Signs of physical abuse and their psychological effects or a someone insisting on being present or interpreting any conversations could also mean modern slavery is taking place.

“In 2019, Sefton Council passed a motion setting out our commitment to helping eradicate slavery and labour exploitation. Our web page at www.sefton.gov.uk/modernslavery is there to help people know what to look for as well as information on how to seek help and to report the issue.”