The Modern Slavery Act 2015




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.