Modern Slavery Helpline leads to arrest in Bath nail salon

A woman was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery at a nail salon in Bath last week and a man safeguarded as a victim of human trafficking and slavery.

Police went to Bellissimo Artistry in Bath town centre following an alert via the Modern Slavery Helpline, which was set up to allow members of the public to raise concerns about individuals or premises that they think could be linked to slavery practices.

A 45-year-old woman was arrested and later released under investigation.

In January three people received prison sentenced for exploitation and enforced child labour. The group, also from Bath, were running Nail Deluxe in February 2016 when the offences took place.

It was the first successful prosecution of its kind under the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. Read PB’s coverage of the case here.