Young people are being exploited by being trapped in “debt bondage” over low value goods including energy drinks that they cannot afford, a panel of experts said.
An eight-year-old boy was this week referred to a counter-trafficking service after being enticed with magazines and sweets, which he was later told to pay for, MPs on the education select committee heard.
Rebecca Griffiths, Head of National Counter-Trafficking Service at Barnardo’s said: “We think we are getting younger children who are being enticed in with things that they don’t have at the moment because of the cost-of-living crisis. It is a massive problem. It’s a changing and emerging exploitation type.”
She added that another young person was referred to her service this week after being given a Subway lunch by exploiters. The young person was then told to repay the debt but could not afford to. She said: “That’s how it starts - with small numbers.”
