We have been involved in two cases recently where we queried status and issues with the Modern Slavery Unit, which I understand is a charity operating a helpline on behalf of the National Crime Agency. 1. The first situation was where we had concerns about a disabled solicitor being exploited by a solicitors firm. Payment made to this lawyer for his services was less than £5k for 2 years. 2. We had a request from a law firm to advertise unpaid trial periods to staff for 4 weeks before a paid permanent job was offered. I rang the Modern Slavery Unit to get advice on these two situations. What powers did they have and whether these two issues came within their remit? The advisor informed me that the unit was able to only investigate in scenario 1 if the disabled solicitor in question referred themselves to the unit. At that point they would be able to investigate and assist if necessary. So far as the second scenario is concerned employers are perfectly able to offer unpaid trial period...
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