Authority praised for work in combatting modern slavery
KIRKLEES Council has been praised for its work in tackling modern-day slavery.
Earlier in the year, the council submitted a case study to the Local Government Association (LGA) highlighting “effective internal structures and work with external partners to tackle modern slavery.”
The LGA have now published the document which highlights the good work that councils are undertaking to try to tackle and prevent modern slavery as well as support for potential victims.
Kirklees Council is just one of two councils in Yorkshire who have been recognised in the publication for this strand of work.
Council leader Shabir Pandor said: “I’m extremely delighted to see the brilliant work of the council and its partners being recognised by the LGA.
“When it comes to partnership work, we believe here at Kirklees Council that we are stronger when we share our knowledge, skills and resources, and we will continue to work with our partners, for the wellbeing of Kirklees residents, and to build an inclusive economy that everyone can positively contribute towards and benefit from.”
Working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Kirklees Council has run eight modern slavery awareness sessions which have been attended by 249 people throughout 2019.
The aim of these sessions are for delegates to understand what modern slavery/human trafficking is, state the signs and indicators of both and understand the National Referral Mechanism.
Det Insp Damian Simpson, of Kirklees Safeguarding Unit, said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking is a largely hidden crime and the work which is ongoing in partnership with Kirklees Council and other agencies is allowing us to tackle this crime and educate members of the public how they can help us do this.
“Anti-slavery day is very important for us and partner agencies to continue to push the message as far and wide as possible, helping people know the potential signs, within the communities.
“By knowing the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, we can help highlight this issue and prevent and protect the lives of victims.”