The Modern Slavery Agenda ― Politics, Policy and Practice in the Uk

Despite the introduction of laws to try to stop it, so-called modern slavery—whether in the form of domestic servitude, sex trafficking, child labor, or other exploitative practices—is still on the rise in the United Kingdom and other industrialized nations. This hugely topical book, written by a team of activists and experts, is the first to provide a critical assessment of modern anti-slavery legislation. The Modern Slavery Agenda argues that, contrary to its stated ambitions, the UK’s Modern Slavery Act is inconsistent, inadequate and punitive, paradoxically fostering conditions that promote the very acts it aims to outlaw, and offers strategies for improvement in policy and practice. The authors not only gather evidence from across the field, but also provide strategies for improvements in policy and practice.

Gary Craig is emeritus professor of social justice at the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation at the University of Hull. Alex Balch is professor in Department of Politics at the University of Liverpool. Hannah Lewis is a vice-chancellor’s fellow at the University of Sheffield. Louise Waite is professor of human geography at the University of Leeds.