THE Daily Echo’s ban on ads for “adult entertainment” has been praised in an influential government report on people trafficking.

The Home Affairs Committee concluded much more needs to be done to tackle the problem across the UK.

But it said a decision by Newsquest, owners of the Daily Echo, to drop such advertisements is a step in the right direction.

“The committee considered measures that could be taken to reduce demand for forced labour and exploitation” said a report.

It then referred to the Newsquest ban.

“We welcome Newsquest’s decision not to carry any further adverts for ‘adult entertainment’ ” the report goes on. “We would urge other newspapers to follow that lead.”

The report claims people trafficking is “a resurgence of a type of slave trade” and claimed enforcement is patchy, prosecution rates are low and there is little protection for victims.

Forms of trafficking include young women and children brought into the UK for sexual exploitation, children “imported” for street begging and others for cannabis cultivation, forced marriage and benefit fraud.

Police in Dorset have confirmed that people trafficking is under investigation in the county and officers have carried out operations under the umbrella of the national police campaign, Operation Pentameter 2.

Detective Inspector Steve Bartlett, the Dorset Police lead on human trafficking, recently told the Daily Echo: “Whether for sexual or other forms of exploitation, human trafficking is very high on our agenda.

“We continue to actively seek intelligence and we always respond appropriately to information received. The public can help us tackle this abhorrent crime.”

Anyone who has suspicions about trafficking is asked to call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111