Secondary use of anonymised, individual-level, top-line data for all individuals referred into the UK's National Referral Mechanism between 01/04/09 and 07/10/14 (n= 6,858). Dataset covered variables such as age, gender, nationality, source of referral etc. We also used individual case files for all EEA nationals referred to the NRM in 2012 and 2013 and officially recognised as labour trafficking victims (n=453).Nationally and internationally, concern is growing about human trafficking for labour exploitation. Yet, the vast majority of research and responses thus far have focused on sex trafficking and the characteristics and challenges of labour trafficking are comparatively poorly understood. This project was designed to advance understanding of labour trafficking and informed more targeted and nuanced responses. It combined qualitative and quantitative methods to support a nuanced, multi-faceted assessment of this complex phenomenon.

1) Access granted to anonymised data from the UK's National Referral Mechanism (NRM) system. Researcher provided individual-level, top-line data for all individuals referred into the UK's National Referral Mechanism between 01/04/09 and 07/10/14 (n= 6,858). Dataset covered variables such as age, gender, nationality, source of referral etc. 2) Access granted to detailed individual case files for all EEA nationals referred to the NRM in 2012 and 2013 and officially recognised as labour trafficking victims (n=453). From these case files, researcher extracted anonymised secondary research data. 3)Semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face with key informants in the counter-trafficking field.