TRAFFORD councillors have backed a list of commitments designed to stamp out the scourge of modern slavery.

Council leader Andrew Western’s motion asked the authority to adopt the charter that would go some way towards bringing the crime to an end.

During a recent meeting Cllr Western said the subject of modern slavery, which includes domestic servitude, labour and sexual exploitation, was not talked about as much as it should have been.

He said: “Clearly we have a problem – and it’s not just in this country.

“I want to make it clear that this council will not procure services from any organisation that is involved in modern slavery practices.”

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Modern slavery and human trafficking is on the rise in the UK.

A recent Home Office review revealed modern slavery costs the UK between £3.3bn and £4.3bn per year – with the range reflecting uncertainty around the number of victims, which is put between 10,000 and 13,000 people.

Legislation currently requires every business with an annual turnover of £36m and above to publish a statement on its website outlining what it is doing to prevent and tackle modern slavery in its operations and supply chain.

Conservative leader Cllr Sean Anstee said his party fully supported the motion.

Cllr Dylan Butt said this action would go some way in discouraging modern slavery in the workplace.

While Cllr Liz Patel encouraged councillors to look out for people who may have become victims of slavery.

“I feel as councillors we are uniquely positioned in our communities to support these vulnerable residents,” she said.

The motion also states that all council contractors must comply with the 2015 Modern Slavery Act – and all ‘abnormally’ low tenders will be challenged.

A whistle-blowing system is to be implemented and all procurement staff are to be trained to spot the signs of modern slavery.

For more information visit trafford.gov.uk.