Wider changes needed with vow to clear modern slavery cases backlog – charity

A commitment to clear a backlog of tens of thousands of modern slavery cases within two years must be accompanied by wider changes to ensure victims are supported, a charity said.

The Government has made a pledge to “eradicate” the backlog of decisions on such cases within that timeframe, announcing that 200 extra staff have been hired to speed up processing.

Anti-slavery charity Unseen welcomed the vow, which it said could help “significantly reduce” the “limbo” survivors currently face.

But it said wider changes are needed, including training for first responders who have initial contact with potential victims and better access to legal support to help people who are often traumatised by their experiences to properly communicate their story.

The average wait between a person’s case being referred into the system and being confirmed as a victim of modern slavery through what is known as a conclusive grounds decision was 526 days, according to figures for 2023, which were published in March.

There are more than 23,000 people in the system waiting for a conclusive grounds decision, the Home Office said.

The year 2023 saw 17,004 potential victims of modern slavery referred to the Home Office – the highest annual number since the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) began in 2009.

The NRM is a framework used to identify potential victims of modern slavery and to ensure they are then referred for the appropriate support.

The Home Office said the “long delays” faced by those waiting to have their status as a victim of modern slavery confirmed “can lead to prolonged uncertainty and mental health suffering”.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips (pictured) has described tackling modern slavery as one of her top priorities.

She said: “For too long, modern slavery survivors and the harrowing experiences they have lived through have not been given the attention and support they deserve.

“This is going to change. The actions I have announced today are a first step towards putting survivors first, eradicating the backlog of modern slavery cases to give victims the clarity and peace of mind they need to move on with their lives.

“Supporting victims of modern slavery is one of my top priorities and there is much more to do. But be in no doubt, this government will use every lever at its disposal to support them while we pursue those who callously profit from their trauma and misery.”

Unseen’s head of policy and research Lauren Saunders said: “Wider changes across sectors must, however, support this commitment. First responders need adequate training and resourcing to ensure the detailed and compelling evidence they initially submit to the National Referral Mechanism is acquired.

“We need strong police investigations, including financial investigations, and contributions from stakeholders like local authorities, social services, mental health teams and caseworkers to ensure sufficient evidence is in place to speed up decision-making.

“The biggest sticking point is perhaps survivors’ lack of access to adequate legal support. Survivor testimony is pivotal in effective decision-making. Due to the trauma as a result of their exploitation, many are unable to articulate the most detailed account of the abuse or coercion they faced in a way that can be understood by an independent decision-maker.

“Without a solicitor or appropriate trauma-informed support, survivors may receive decisions that aren’t an accurate reflection of the true picture of exploitation, which ultimately prevents them from getting the support, protection and justice they deserve.”

The extra staff will take up their roles in early 2025, the Home Office said.

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