Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Cap. 30).

This Act prohibits holding of persons in slavery or servitude or to force a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is being required to perform forced or compulsory labour. The Act consists of 62 sections divided in seven Parts. Part 1 consolidates and clarifies the existing offences of slavery and human trafficking whilst increasing the maximum penalty for such offences. Part 2 provides for two new civil preventative orders, the Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order and the Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order. Part 3 provides for new maritime enforcement powers in relation to ships. Part 4 establishes the office of Independent Antislavery Commissioner and sets out the functions of the Commissioner. Part 5 introduces a number of measures focussed on supporting and protecting victims, including a statutory defence for slavery or trafficking victims and special measures for witnesses in criminal proceedings. Part 6 requires certain businesses to disclose what activity they are undertaking to eliminate slavery and trafficking from their supply chains and their own business. Part 7 requires the Secretary of State to publish a paper on the role of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and otherwise relates to general matters such as consequential provision and commencement. The Act is completed by 5 Schedules. A ship may be seized and forfeited.