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Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour

s.1Modern Slavery Act 2015

Holding another person in slavery or servitude, or requiring them to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour · Modern Slavery Act 2015, s.1Card 54 / 195

Points to prove

s.1(1)(a)Held another person in slavery or servitude, and the circumstances are such that the defendant knew or ought to have known that the person was so held, or
s.1(1)(b)Required another person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and the circumstances are such that the defendant knew or ought to have known that the person was being so required

Key definitions

Slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour – s.1(2): these are read in line with Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Slavery is treating a person as property. Servitude is a serious form of denial of freedom, such as being made to live on the defendant’s premises and work for them. Forced labour is work or services exacted under threat of a penalty that the person has not offered voluntarily.
All the circumstances – s.1(3): the court may consider everything, including any personal circumstances that make the person more vulnerable, such as being a child, a family relationship, or mental or physical illness (s.1(4)(a)).
Exploitation – s.1(4)(b): any work or services the person provides may be considered, including work that amounts to exploitation under s.3(3) to (6).
Consent – s.1(5): the victim’s consent, whether an adult or a child, does not prevent a finding of slavery, servitude or forced labour.

Good to know

Knowledge is partly objective. It is enough that the defendant ought to have known.
Police and other public authorities have a duty to notify the Secretary of State about suspected victims (s.52). Victims can be referred to the National Referral Mechanism.
Victims who commit offences as a result of their slavery or exploitation may have a defence under s.45 (for adults, they must have been compelled). It does not apply to the serious offences listed in Sch.4.
Slavery and trafficking prevention orders (s.14) and risk orders (s.23) are available.

Legislation: Modern Slavery Act 2015, s.1 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Either way
Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour?

1. Held another person in slavery or servitude, and the circumstances are such that the defendant knew or ought to have known that the person was so held, or 2. Required another person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and the circumstances are such that the defendant knew or ought to have known that the person was being so required

What is the maximum sentence for slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour?

Life imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)

Is slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour is an either-way offence: it can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

What Act and section is slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour?

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour is an offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, s.1.

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