Article from BTNews 16 MAY 2016
Human trafficking in LGW spotlight
Gatwick is stepping-up its efforts in supporting the fight against human trafficking, child exploitation and modern slavery through increased training of front-line staff.
The airport is also boosting its partnership work with organisations involved in stamping the practices.
The announcement follows a second Safer Gatwick event hosted by the airport and attended by Sussex Police, anti-human trafficking charityA21, Barnardo’s, Street Light, Gatwick Travel Care and UK Border Force.
Airports are regarded as playing a leading role because human traffickers often use established forms of transport.
Gatwick’s initiative in training front-line workers and airport partners over the past 12 months, to increase awareness of the practices used has led to interest from other airports interested in adopting similar schemes.
A21 UK director Charlie Blythe said: “Human trafficking is often overlooked because it’s hiding in plain sight. Traffickers don’t always transport their victims in the backs of lorries, vans or shipping containers, they use the same airports, airlines and airplanes as other passengers.”
Tony Gilbert, Gatwick’s security and police relationship manager, added: “Airports can play an important role and we are training our front-line staff so they are aware of possible warning signs and know what to do if they suspect someone may be a victim.”
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