Slavery cases rise in Wales

THERE has been a dramatic increase in cases of modern slavery in Wales, new figures reveal.

Reported cases of modern slavery in Wales have increased by 56% compared to last year, according to Welsh Government statistics.

Cabinet Secretary Vaughan Gething AM told a gathering of public service workers that 193 referrals of potential victims of slavery were made in Wales in 2017.

According to figures from the International Labour Organisation, there are more people in slavery today across the world than in the entire 350-year history of the transatlantic slave trade.

Mr Gething recorded a video address ahead of a Unison Cymru Wales event in Butetown Community Centre in Cardiff.

The event was organised by the union’s black members to mark International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

Chair of Unison’s Black Members Group Kebba Manneh said: “There are more people in slavery today across the world, than in the entire 350-year history of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery in Wales is on the rise.

“It could be the woman trapped in servitude or trafficked into the sex trade, the man in forced labour or the child who has been trafficked by criminal gangs and suffered horrendous abuse.

“Trade unions have a major role in the fight against modern slavery.

“With 100,000 members in Wales, Unison can help educate our members and the wider community in recognising the signs of exploitation.”