Analysis of Rising Modern Slavery Trends and the Use of Technology in the UK
Introduction
A new report from the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) shows a record increase in modern slavery referrals in the UK, caused by economic problems and new digital technologies.
Main Body
Data from 2025 shows that referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) reached a record 23,411, which is a 22% increase from the previous year. The report emphasizes that UK citizens make up the largest group of victims at 22%, followed by people from Eritrea (13%) and Vietnam (9%). The IASC asserts that this increase is due to several economic pressures, such as the rising cost of living, high debt, and unstable jobs, which make it easier for criminals to force people into unsafe work. Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools has changed how trafficking networks operate. The report highlights that criminals now use deepfakes, fake identities, and AI scams to recruit and monitor victims on a large scale. For example, traffickers use virtual currencies to create debt and tracking apps to control victims remotely. Additionally, there are growing risks regarding forced surrogacy and the illegal organ trade, both of which are driven by global demand and a lack of strict regulations. In response, Commissioner Eleanor Lyons has called for the government to change its priorities. She suggested appointing a Cabinet minister to lead a special committee, increasing funding for police units, and fining companies that are involved in exploitation. Although the Home Office says it has reduced the case backlog by two-thirds and hired 200 new staff by 2026, the IASC maintains that these measures are still not enough to handle the complexity of the threat.
Conclusion
Modern slavery in the UK is currently marked by record-high numbers of victims and an increasing use of digital tools to control them.
Learning
🚀 The 'Power-Up' Verb: Moving from Basic to Academic
At the A2 level, you probably use verbs like say, think, or show. To reach B2, you need to use Reporting Verbs that tell the reader how something is being said. This adds precision and professionalism to your writing.
From the text:
- Instead of says, the author uses: «emphasizes» (to show something is very important).
- Instead of says, the author uses: «asserts» (to state a fact strongly/confidently).
- Instead of asks for, the author uses: «called for» (to publicly demand a change).
- Instead of says, the author uses: «maintains» (to keep an opinion even when others disagree).
🛠️ The 'Bridge' Logic: Cause and Effect
B2 students don't just list facts; they connect them using complex structures. Look at how the text connects economic pain to criminal action:
"...economic pressures... which make it easier for criminals to force people into unsafe work."
The Secret Sauce: The use of the relative pronoun "which" allows the writer to explain the result of a situation without starting a new, simple sentence.
A2 Style: Economic pressures are rising. This makes it easier for criminals. B2 Style: Economic pressures are rising, which makes it easier for criminals.
🔍 Vocabulary Shift: Specificity over Generality
Stop using generic words like big, bad, or problem. Notice the 'high-level' alternatives used in the article:
| A2 Word (Basic) | B2 Upgrade (from text) | Why it's better |
|---|---|---|
| Big increase | Record increase | Shows it is the highest ever recorded. |
| Bad things | Exploitation | Specifically describes unfair treatment for profit. |
| Hard/Complicated | Complexity | Describes a system with many moving parts. |
| Old work/pile | Backlog | Professional term for unfinished tasks. |