Human trafficking involves the illegal recruitment, harbouring or transporting of people by force. It is a major health concern across the UK. Our 4 nations’ governments have published guidelines for the health care workforce to recognise and support victims of human trafficking. “Modern Slavery and Trafficking Guidance” sets out a strong policy for our nursing family (RCN, 2023). Human trafficking is complex and dynamic. 

Across our 4 nations, 9,452 people were trafficked in 2024; a 10% increase from 2023. They were exploited, through violence, deception or coercion and forced to work against their will.  

Over 80% of survivors seek medical care within their first year of being trafficked. It is therefore vital that every nurse is aware of their role in this area of care and is knows the warning signs of human trafficking and how to respond to them (ICN, 2022). A clinical awareness of human trafficking is critical. 

Victims may be physically and socially isolated, have communication difficulties and be in an unfamiliar culture. Nurses’ safeguarding training, professional curiosity and clinical positions enable a trauma-informed approach, based upon principles of patient safety, trust, choice, empowerment and collaboration. Nurses have a safety critical role in identifying and reporting human trafficking. 

References

International Council of Nurses (2022). Nurses play key role in identifying victims of human trafficking. Available at: icn.ch/news/nurses-play-key-role-identifying-victims-human-trafficking

National Crime Agency (NCA) (2024). Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Available at: nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/threats-2025/nsa-msht-2025

Royal College of Nursing (2023). Modern-day slavery and trafficking guidance. Available at: rcn.org.uk/.../rcn-modern-slavery-and-trafficking-uk-pub-011-241