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Modern Slavery Act 2015

Type Public General Act
Publication 2015-03-26
Last updated 2026-04-07
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
Source legislation.gov.uk
articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API
113

S. 24 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

114

Sch. 4 para. 32 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

115

S. 23(1)(d) and word inserted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(2)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

117

Sch. 4 para. 1 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

118

Sch. 4 para. 17 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

120

Word in s. 15(1) omitted (12.7.2016) by virtue of Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 10(2)(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

121

Sch. 2 para. 26 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

122

Sch. 2 para. 2 in force for specified purposes at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

123

S. 43 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(c)

124

Sch. 2 para. 27 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

125

Sch. 5 para. 17 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

127

Sch. 4 para. 25 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

128

S. 10 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(a)

129

Sch. 2 para. 12 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

130

S. 30 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

131

Sch. 4 para. 14 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

133

Sch. 5 para. 21 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

134

Word in s. 23(1) omitted (12.7.2016) by virtue of Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(2)(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

135

Sch. 4 para. 21 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

136

S. 16 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

137

Words in s. 19(7) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 11(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

138

Sch. 2 para. 25 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

139

Sch. 2 para. 19 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

141

Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

142

Words in s. 23(7)(b) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(4)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

143

S. 2 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(a) (with regs. 6-8)

144

Sch. 5 para. 2 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j) (with regs. 4, 8)

145

Words in s. 27(7) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 15(3)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

146

S. 22 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

147

Words in s. 23(7)(b) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(4)(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

148

S. 21 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

149

Sch. 5 para. 15 in force at 17.3.2016 by S.I. 2016/243, reg. 2(b)

150

Words in s. 15(7) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 10(3)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

151

Sch. 1 para. 5 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(g) (with regs. 5, 8)

152

Sch. 4 para. 15 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

153

Sch. 5 para. 26 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

154

Sch. 2 para. 17 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

155

Words in s. 26(7) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 14(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

156

Sch. 1 para. 6 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(g)

157

Sch. 5 para. 8 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j) (with regs. 3, 5, 7, 8)

158

Sch. 2 para. 16 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

162

S. 7 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(a) (with regs. 3, 8)

163

Sch. 1 para. 1 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(g)

164

Words in s. 15(8)(b) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 10(4)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

165

S. 13 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(a)

166

Sch. 4 para. 35 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

167

Sch. 5 para. 12 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

170

Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

171

Sch. 4 para. 34 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

173

S. 27 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

174

Sch. 4 para. 16 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

175

Sch. 2 para. 15 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

176

S. 52 in force at 1.11.2015 by S.I. 2015/1690, reg. 3

178

Sch. 4 para. 29 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

181

S. 44 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(c)

182

Sch. 4 para. 27 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

183

Sch. 4 para. 2 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

184

Sch. 1 para. 3 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(g)

185

Sch. 4 para. 23 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

187

Sch. 4 para. 22 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

188

S. 60(6) power to extend (with modifications) (Channel Islands or Isle of Man) any amendments or repeals made to this Act by 2016 c. 19, to which this section relates (12.5.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 94(5), 95(6)(7)(j)

189

S. 33 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

190

S. 18 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

192

Sch. 1 para. 7 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(g)

193

Sch. 4 para. 4 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

194

S. 4 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(a)

196

Sch. 5 para. 23 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

197

S. 15 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

198

S. 15(1)(d) and word inserted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 10(2)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

199

Sch. 4 para. 26 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

201

S. 28 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

202

Sch. 5 para. 7 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

203

Sch. 4 para. 12 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

204

Sch. 3 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(h)

205

Sch. 5 para. 1 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j) (with regs. 3, 6, 8)

206

Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

207

Words in s. 23(6) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(3)(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

208

Words in Sch. 4 para. 33 inserted (E.W.) (12.4.2019) by Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 (c. 2), ss. 1(7), 2(2)

209

S. 14 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

210

Sch. 4 para. 8 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

211

Sch. 5 para. 13 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

213

Sch. 4 para. 6 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

214

Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

215

Words in s. 23(6) substituted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 2 para. 13(3)(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(t)

216

Sch. 2 para. 23 in force at 8.8.2016 by S.I. 2016/740, reg. 2(e)

218

S. 57(1) in force at 31.7.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

219

S. 23 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(b)

220

Sch. 4 para. 11 in force at 31.7.2015 by S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(i)

221

Sch. 5 para. 27(3) in force at 17.3.2016 by S.I. 2016/243, reg. 2(c)

222

Sch. 5 para. 25 repealed (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 28 (with ss. 413(5), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Special measures for witnesses in criminal proceedings

Enforcement by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Northern Irish public authority

11A

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30A

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54A

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SCHEDULE 4A

Authorities with functions in connection with the labour market etc

Law enforcement and border security

Local government

Health bodies

Other

Slavery and trafficking prevention orders on sentencing

General functions of Commissioner

Offences

Offences

Cross-border enforcement

Rules of court

Interpretation of Part 2

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour

Strategic plans and annual reports

Duty to co-operate with Commissioner

Restriction on exercise of functions

Defence for slavery or trafficking victims who commit an offence

Independent child trafficking advocates

Power to make slavery and trafficking reparation orders

Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (asp 12)

8A
  • (1) An offence under section 1 or 4 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (human trafficking; slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour).
  • (2) An offence aggravated by a connection with human trafficking activity in accordance with section 5 of that Act (general aggravation of offence).

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour

Slavery and trafficking prevention orders on sentencing

Guidance to chief officers of police etc

The Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner

General functions of Commissioner

Strategic plans and annual reports

Duty to co-operate with Commissioner

Restriction on exercise of functions

Defence for slavery or trafficking victims who commit an offence

Independent child trafficking advocates

Transparency in supply chains etc

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: information gateways

The Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner

Strategic plans and annual reports

Duty to co-operate with Commissioner

Restriction on exercise of functions

Defence for slavery or trafficking victims who commit an offence

Independent child trafficking advocates

Transparency in supply chains etc

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: information gateways

36A

An offence under any of the following provisions of Schedule 4 to the Space Industry Act 2018—

  • paragraph 1 (hijacking of spacecraft)
  • paragraph 2 (destroying, damaging or endangering safety of spacecraft)
  • paragraph 3 (other acts endangering or likely to endanger safety of spacecraft)
  • paragraph 4 (endangering safety at spaceports)
  • paragraph 5 (offences in relation to certain dangerous articles).

Serious Crime Act 2015

35A

An offence under section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (strangulation or suffocation).

Health and Care Act 2022

36B

An offence under any of the following provisions of the Health and Care Act 2022—

  • (a) section 136 (virginity testing);
  • (b) section 137 (offering to carry out virginity testing);
  • (c) section 138 (aiding or abetting etc a person to carry out virginity testing);
  • (d) section 148 (carrying out hymenoplasty);
  • (e) section 149 (offering to carry out hymenoplasty);
  • (f) section 150 (aiding or abetting etc a person to carry out hymenoplasty).
50A
  • (1) The Secretary of State must secure that any necessary assistance and support is available to an identified potential victim (within the meaning given by section 61 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (the “2022 Act”)) during the recovery period.
  • (2) For the purposes of this section, assistance and support is “necessary” if the Secretary of State considers that it is necessary for the purpose of assisting the person receiving it in their recovery from any physical, psychological or social harm arising from the conduct which resulted in the positive reasonable grounds decision in question.
  • (3) Subsection (4) applies where a further RG decision, within the meaning given by section 62 of the 2022 Act, is made in relation to a person.
  • (4) If the Secretary of State determines that it is appropriate to do so, the Secretary of State must secure that any necessary assistance and support is available to the person during the period—
  • (a) beginning with the day on which the further RG decision is made, and
  • (b) ending with whichever of the following is the later—
  • (i) the day on which the conclusive grounds decision is made in relation to the further RG decision;
  • (ii) the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day mentioned in paragraph (a).
  • (5) Any duty under subsection (1) or (4) ceases to apply in relation to a person in respect of whom a determination is made under section 63(2) of the 2022 Act (disqualification from protection).
  • (6) In this section, a reference to assistance and support is to assistance and support provided in accordance with—
  • (a) arrangements referred to in section 49(1)(b), or
  • (b) regulations made under section 50.
  • (7) In this section—
  • “conclusive grounds decision” has the same meaning as in Part 5 of the 2022 Act (see section 69 of that Act);
  • “recovery period” has the same meaning as in section 61 of that Act.

National Security Act 2023

36C

An offence under any of the following provisions of the National Security Act 2023—

  • section 1 (obtaining or disclosing protected information);
  • section 2 (obtaining or disclosing trade secrets);
  • section 3 (assisting a foreign intelligence service);
  • section 4 (entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK);
  • section 12 (sabotage);
  • section 13 (foreign interference: general);
  • section 17 (obtaining material benefits from a foreign intelligence service);
  • section 18 (preparatory conduct).

Human trafficking

Meaning of exploitation

Committing offence with intent to commit offence under section 2

Penalties

Sentencing

Confiscation of assets

Effect of slavery and trafficking reparation orders

Slavery and trafficking reparation orders: supplementary provision

Forfeiture of land vehicle, ship or aircraft

Enforcement by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Detention of land vehicle, ship or aircraft

Interpretation of Part 1

Slavery and trafficking prevention orders on sentencing

Slavery and trafficking prevention orders on application

Meaning of “relevant offender”

Effect of slavery and trafficking prevention orders

Prohibitions on foreign travel

Requirement to provide name and address

Variation, renewal and discharge

Interim slavery and trafficking prevention orders

Appeals

Slavery and trafficking risk orders

Effect of slavery and trafficking risk orders

Prohibitions on foreign travel

Requirement to provide name and address

Variation, renewal and discharge

Interim slavery and trafficking risk orders

Appeals

Offences

Enforcement by Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Rules of court

Guidance to chief officers of police etc

Interpretation of Part 2

Enforcement powers in relation to ships: England and Wales

Enforcement powers in relation to ships: Northern Ireland

Hot pursuit of ships in United Kingdom waters

Interpretation of Part 3

The Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner

General functions of Commissioner

Strategic plans and annual reports

Duty to co-operate with Commissioner

Restriction on exercise of functions

Defence for slavery or trafficking victims who commit an offence

Special measures for witnesses in criminal proceedings

Independent child trafficking advocates

Guidance about identifying and supporting victims

Regulations about identifying and supporting victims

Identified potential victims etc: assistance and support

Presumption about age

Duty to notify Secretary of State about suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking

Overseas domestic workers

Transparency in supply chains etc

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: information gateways

Gangmasters Licensing Authority

Interpretation

Consequential provision

Regulations

Financial provisions

Extent

Commencement

Short title

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