As many as 13,000 could be working as slaves in the UK

Estimating the scale of modern slavery is made difficult by its taking place behind closed doors. Credit: PA Images

Analysis from the Home Office suggests as many as 13,000 people may be in slavery in the UK - much higher than previously thought.

The Government has launched a modern slavery strategy to combat the problem, which affects nationals from over 100 countries.

The new estimated figure of between 10,000 and 13,000 figures is a significant jump from last year's figure of 2,744 - an estimate compiled by the National Crime Agency's Human Trafficking Centre.

Launching the strategy, Home Secretary Theresa May said there needed to be a "concerted, co-ordinated action" across government.