A new report by Anti-Slavery International reveals that people trafficked into forced labour in the United Kingdom are not being identified by the authorities and there is no system of protection or support for the victims of this crime.

Trafficking for Forced Labour: UK country report, launched in September, also establishes that many people trafficked into Britain enter the country legally from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America to work in such areas as agriculture, construction, domestic work, food processing and in hotels.

Even though it has been an offence to traffic people into forced labour since 2004, there has not been a single prosecution. It is hoped the Government's opening of the UK Human Trafficking Centre in Sheffield on 3 October will help address these failings.

The centre will work on all forms of trafficking, including for labour, sexual exploitation and internal trafficking. Importantly, it is a multi-agency organisation, bringing key bodies together and will comprise police from across the country, and staff from the Serious Crime Unit, Immigration Service, Crown Prosecution Service, and a victim support co-ordinator.

However, it is not a solution in itself, particularly where protection and assistance are concerned. The UK still has no system of guaranteed protection, as could be provided by signing the Council of Europe's Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Plus, there is no established referral mechanism through which people trafficked into forced labour could be helped.