By Ben Stevens

A charity in Leicester has been out and about today(TUE,OCT19) raising awareness of the challenges relating to modern slavery.

Hope for Justice, one of Britain’s leading charities fighting the battle against modern slavery, has a stall set up in the city centre, educating and informing people about signs of modern slavery and how everyone can help to stop it.

There was particular emphasis given on being alert to the signs of slavery in Leicester’s business sector, particularly the garment industry which has been subject to an investigation over the past 12 months.

Shaista Jakhura, a lead community engagement specialist at Hope for Justice, said: “Modern slavery is a big problem in Leicester and the rest of the UK.

“There were over 10,600 cases of modern slavery reported to us in Leicester over the past year but the actual figure is almost certainly much higher than that.

“It’s very important that people know the signs of modern slavery as spotting the signs early can make all the difference.”

Shaista is keen to educate younger people of the dangers of modern slavery in the city and will be speaking at De Montfort University tomorrow.

She said: “Many young people who are in need of money are often exploited in the workplace.

“I want to help younger people find employment that is safe and fair.”

Since being founded in the United Kingdom in 2008, Hope for Justice has expanded and operates in more than 30 locations across the world.

Despite the pandemic, the charity reached more than 190,000 people in 2020 with nearly 5,000 children and adults directly rescued from slavery and given subsequent aftercare.

For more information on Hope for Justice and the work they do visit https://hopeforjustice.org/.

By Jayden Whitworth

Pubs and restaurants across Leicester are offering discounted food this week as part of the city’s new scheme ‘Leicester Restaurant Week’.

From yesterday (MON,OCT18) until Sunday, various restaurants across the city are taking part to encourage the people of Leicester to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Thirty restaurants are involved with a selection of different cuisines on offer, ranging from Argentinian food at Sonrisa, Thai Tapas at The Giggling Squid or classic pub food at The Globe pub.

This week will also give these restaurants a fantastic opportunity to bounce back after a difficult couple of years.

Layla Sidat, general manager at The Globe, said: “It’s always good to have new customers try our food and experience The Globe’s unique atmosphere.

“After lockdown I’m sure there will be a bit of hesitation for diners returning back to the centre but hopefully this will encourage them to give us a go.

“Here at The Globe, we are offering two-course and three-course menus with a selection of dishes, some new and some old favourite dishes especially for Leicester Restaurant Week.

“With the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme such a hit nationally last year, it’s nice to be able to offer a deal ourselves and get people back enjoying hospitality.

“Today has been the first day and we have already had a full dining room ordering from the ‘Leicester Restaurant Week’ menu, so I am hoping this trend carries forward throughout the week and hoping for a cracking weekend too!”

To take advantage of any of the offers available over the course of the week, go to leicesterrestaurantweek.co.uk to claim a voucher to be used in one of the restaurants.