The Modern Slavery Act 2015
[ch 1: pages 27-28]The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 15) consolidated the offences of slavery, trafficking, servitude and compulsory labour. The most serious offenders can now face life imprisonment. The MSA 15 created a new regulator known as the Anti-Slavery Commissioner, responsible for enforcement, and introduced new penalties called Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders. Someone who suffers harm as a result of an offence under the MSA 15 can claim compensation, but only if a conviction is secured. The MSA 15 also introduced a requirement for large employers (those with a global turnover of £36 million, including subsidiaries) to publish an annual “slavery and human trafficking statement” explaining how they are preventing slavery in their supply chain.