The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is an Act of Parliament designed to combat modern slavery in the UK and consolidates previous trafficking and slavery offences.
The act contains a number of provisions:
- Consolidation of existing slavery and trafficking offences
- Introduction of two new civil orders to enable the courts to place restrictions on those convicted of modern slavery offences or those involved in such offences but not yet convicted
- Establishment of an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to encourage best practices.
- Provision of mechanisms for seizing traffickers' assets and channelling some of that money towards victims for compensation payments
- Creation of a new statutory defence for slavery or trafficking victims compelled to commit criminal offences
- Provision of child trafficking advocates