A regional publisher has called for “radical change” after an investigation revealed fewer than one in 20 slavery and trafficking offences have resulted in police action.

The probe by JPIMedia’s data and investigations unit’s ‘An Unbroken Chain: Modern Slavery in the UK’ has found more than 19,000 cases have been closed without charges being brought since the introduction of the 2015 Modern Slavery Act – and sister legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Four out of five court cases have also been unsuccessful, JPIMedia has revealed, with many of those convicted walking free with nothing more than a fine or suspended sentence.

Titles including the Lancashire Post, Portsmouth daily The News and the Wigan Post splashed on the investigation this morning.

The eight-strong team of investigative reporters, who work for JPIMedia titles across the country, have spoken with police chiefs, the National Crime Agency, charities and survivors to find out what is going wrong.

JPIMedia has now called for an abandoned Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into modern slavery to be urgently resumed in order to “address systemic failings and heightened vulnerabilities caused by coronavirus and Brexit”.

Harriet Clugston, acting JPIMedia data and investigations editor, said: “The Modern Slavery Act was touted by ministers as a world-leading crackdown on the horrific trade in human beings, promising it would send the strongest possible message to criminals that they would be arrested and locked up.

“Our investigation tells a different story. We instead paint a picture of criminals free to act with impunity, safe in the knowledge that our criminal justice system is not up to the task of tackling their activities.

“It’s clear the system needs radical change – and we hope our investigation can break the inertia gripping government.”

Nick Mitchell, JPIMedia head of content development, added: “This is yet another important piece of work from JPI’s investigations team, built on impressive work from eight talented reporters across the nation, working collaboratively to shed light on the situation.

“Modern slavery is an issue which all too often flies under the radar, even when it’s hidden in plain sight in our communities, but this vital investigation highlights the need for more action to stamp it out, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The team will also this week launch the first episode of its new investigative journalism podcast Uncovered, hosted by Harriet Clugston and Ethan Shone.