A CASE of modern slavery in Worcester is being investigated.

That’s the claim made by a Labour councillor at the Guildhall.

And it is understood that a suspected issue of modern slavery has been referred to West Mercia Police by officers at Worcester City Council.

Introducing a motion at the city council’s full meeting this week, Councillor Pat Agar said: “Modern slavery is not a rare occurrence. Officers uncovered a possible case of modern slavery in Worcester which is now being investigated.”

Cllr Agar gave examples of types of the crime: where boys and young men might be trafficked and forced to sell drugs on behalf of criminals, or where young women are forced into debt and made to work as prostitutes to pay those debts off.

Her motion called up the council to increase the awareness of large companies and organisations in Worcester of their responsibilities under the 2015 Modern Slavery Act.

The motion says that businesses should be open and transparent about their recruitment policies to ensure that nobody is coerced and that the council will take a ‘zero- tolerance’ approach to the issue in any company that it deals with or in the city of Worcester as whole, and that publicity be given to the issue so that everyone in Worcester knows how to spot the signs of modern slavery and how and where to report it.

She said: “We have a real duty to take a lead on this.”

Seconding the motion Councillor Stephen Hodgson said: “We have Theresa May to thank for the Modern Slavery Act which she introduced as Home Secretary. And we can help with this one measure. Modern Slavery is a real problem and it’s something we have to deal with.”

Councillor Jabba Riaz added: “People often associate modern slavery with immigration and foreign nationals, but it affects a large number of the indigenous population. And while it is often in areas of greatest need it can take place anywhere.”

The motion for the city council to develop and publicise its policy on modern slavery so that organisations, businesses and individuals are all more aware of their responsibilities was passed unanimously.

The Worcester News has contacted West Mercia Police for further details and comment on the possible investigation.