Two more high-profile Scotland-based businesses have expressed their support for the Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS) movement.

Caledonian Sleeper, which operates overnight train sleeper services for a unique way to travel between Scotland and London and Stena Line, the Swedish shipping line company and one of the world’s largest ferry operators, have both joined the campaign against modern slavery alongside the Scottish Government, and over 60 companies, charities and NGOs.

SAMS’s core aims focus on raising awareness of the problem, supporting survivors into positive employment opportunities and protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation.

Over 1000 men, women and children were reported as victims of human trafficking in Scotland last year – the highest number since records began.

A spokesperson for Caledonian Sleeper said: “Our zero-tolerance approach to Human Trafficking, Slavery and Forced Labour, is endorsed at a senior management level and is communicated to all parts of our business.

We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to take steps to ensure that Human Trafficking, Slavery and Forced Labour have no place in our business, whether that is: in our supply chains (everything from staff uniforms, the bedding and linen, toiletries, or food and drink on our trains, to our components of our technology); and as a provider of transport, where we also play a part in safeguarding people who travel on our services, especially given our services operate late at night in large cities and rural locations.”

They added: “This year we have issued our first Modern Slavery Statement since becoming part of the public sector, and we have developed e-learning to raise awareness. For our frontline staff we will be developing in-person training so that they can confidently identify and respond to concerns of human trafficking. And for our contract managers and audit teams, we will be supporting them to manage supply chain risks.

Being part of the SAMS Network, is going to be really beneficial to us in developing training, understanding best practice, and being part of a network of businesses with similar aims and outlooks on this serious global issue.”

Fiona Paton, Employee Relations Manager at Stena Line, said: “Stena Line is proud to announce its new corporate partnership with SAMS, furthering our commitment to combating modern slavery. Together, we will support efforts to prevent people traffickers from profiting within our workplaces and supply chains.

Stena Line has played a leading role in the Chamber of Shipping, promoting the sharing of best practices in transportation, and we look forward to continuing this vital work with SAMS.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “Human trafficking and exploitation is abhorrent and I welcome more businesses joining Scotland Against Modern Slavery.

The Scottish Government continues to work with partners to tackle this appalling form of abuse and we remain committed to improving support for victims of trafficking, with investment of over £4 million this year.”

Shan Saba (pictured above), founder of SAMS, said, “We have supported over 25 Scotland-based survivors into work since 2021, each one suffering from the trauma of being exploited here on our doorstep.

By the business community working together, we can share best practice and help stamp out this misery in our society.”