16/12/2013 Newsround

Backbreaking Work Hi, guys, Ayshah here with news on the shrinking size

of chocolate on the way. Plus, how these Peruvian pooches are preparing

for Christmas. Keep watching. First, it's something which isn't

often reported on, but the Government says it's a growing

global problem that needs to be tackled. When people are forced to

work against their will, it's called modern slavery. Here's Nel with more

on what it is and the people it affects.

When you mention the word slavery, you probably think about the images

we learn about in school. African men and women shipped to places like

the West Indies and America during the 19th century, then sold and

forced into back-breaking work. But even though that kind of slavery was

officially abolished in the British Empire back in 1833, what you might

not know is people are still being forced to work against their will

right here in the UK. It's very different from what went on back

then, and is known as modern slavery, but the Government are so

concerned about it that they are going to give tougher punishments

for those behind it. Ben, what is modern-day slavery? Whether it is in

factories, nail bars, car washes, they are forced to work long hours.

Some of the people we have helped have worked 20 hours per day seven

days a week and received no payment. Men, women and children who

are forced into becoming modern slaves in the UK come from all over

the world, such as who are parts of Eastern Europe, Africa and Southeast

Asia. Why don't they run away? These people are scared of the police,

scared that if they leave, they will be beaten, scared that their family

will be heard. Because the crime is carried out in secret, it's hard for

the authorities to know how many people are affected. But under the

new rules, the Government say criminals involved could now face a

life sentence in prison. There will also be a new anti-slavery

commissioner to make sure the law works. They hope these measures will

reduce the number of people held in modern slavery in the future.

Thanks, Nel. In other news, the United Nations is warning more than

22 million Syrians will need food, water and medicine next year. They

have launched their biggest ever appeal to try and raise $6.5 billion

to help. It's more than two years since the devastating war between

rebels and government forces started. Freezing temperatures this

winter have made things worse for the millions affected.

And in sport, Man City drew Barcelona, and Arsenal got Bayern

Munich in the Champions League draw this morning. But the big footy news

of the day is that Spurs have sacked their manager, Andre Villas-Boas. It

follows their 5-0 loss to Liverpool yesterday.

Next, chocolate lovers might have noticed your favourite snacks are

shrinking. Sweet makers Mars are reducing the size of their most

popular bars but will still charge you the same to buy one. They say it

isn't about making more money but encouraging healthier eating. I've

been finding out what you think. Chocolate is a multi-billion pound a

year business here in the UK. But if you can't resist the odd sweet treat

from time to time, look out for changes ahead. Because one of the

leading chocolate makers around are about to give you slightly less bar

for your buck. Mars has announced plans to reduce the size of their

signature snack from 58g to 51 and trim Snickers from 58g to 48g, while

still charging you the same same. They say it's part of a pledge to

help people eat more healthily, keeping the amount of calories in

these standard bars to fewer than 250. They're not the first to do it.

Last year Cadbury's shrank the size of their Dairy Milk while keeping

the price the same, they said because of the rising price of the

cocoa that's used to make chocolate. Do you think it's fair that while

reducing the size? Bill, because if you have a set amount of pocket

money, you will not get any more. It is good in one way, because reducing

the amount of obesity in children. I think it is to do with greedy

businesses, and it is not fair about reducing the size and not reducing

the price. Mars say the push for us all to live healthier lifestyles

leaves them little choice, but shoppers are annoyed that the price

won't be coming down with the size. So if you want to keep healthy and

save money, you might just have to eat less.

Finally to Peru, where dogs have gone Christmas crazy. A festive

parade where owners dress up their prized pooches has been held in the

capital, Lima. It was all to encourage owners to look after them

over the holidays. That's it. I'm back at 6:50, see you

then.