An estimated 122,000 people are trapped in modern slavery in the UK. The UK has a significant role to play in combating this horrific crime, but recent legislative changes and weaknesses in the current system are putting survivors at risk.
In response, Unseen, alongside other providers supporting survivors of modern slavery in the UK, is issuing a call to action. This manifesto, titled “Putting victims first: renewing the UK commitment to the safety of victims of trafficking and modern slavery”, outlines a series of key recommendations to create a more robust and person-centred approach.
This new manifesto builds upon our earlier “Putting Victims First” manifesto, which highlighted essential steps the next UK government should take within its first 100 days to prioritise survivor safety.
Who’s behind the manifesto?
The voices behind this manifesto come from the frontline of the fight against modern slavery. Since 2011, this collective has supported over 21,824 survivors, witnessing firsthand the shortcomings of the current system.
Our unique perspective, informed by years of working directly with survivors, exposes these weaknesses and proposes practical solutions for a more effective response.
“For too long, the overall response to modern slavery across services has placed bureaucratic hurdles ahead of survivor safety,” says Lauren Saunders, Head of Policy and Research at Unseen. “Recent legislative changes have instilled fear and uncertainty among survivors.
“Our manifesto calls for a fundamental shift in focus, ensuring that the UK’s response to modern slavery is truly person-centred. By prioritising safety, empowering survivors, and dismantling trafficking networks, we can build a future where the UK leads the fight to eradicate modern slavery.”
The manifesto's recommendations:
The manifesto outlines six key recommendations:
- Prioritise survivor safety: the manifesto calls for the suspension of Sections 22-29 of the recent Illegal Migration Act and a review of the Nationality and Borders Act’s impact on victims. These legislative changes have created a hostile environment, reducing the crucial reflection and recovery period. The manifesto emphasises a return to a minimum 30-day period for all potential victims, regardless of immigration status. This allows access to crucial support services in the early stages. Additionally, all survivors with positive National Referral Mechanism (NRM) decisions, the Government’s system for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery, should receive at least 12 months of support, with the option to extend.
- Revamp the National Referral Mechanism: a complete overhaul of the NRM is urged, with a focus on ensuring it delivers transformative support for victims. This should empower survivors to rebuild their lives with a sense of safety, hope, and purpose in the long term. The government should also set clear timeframes to reduce NRM processing delays.
- Empowerment through work: we advocate for the right to work for all survivors throughout their time in the NRM. This would allow them to develop skills, contribute to the UK economy, and prevent de-skilling.
- Invest in legal aid: We call for a thorough assessment of the legal aid crisis and increased investment to ensure all potential victims have access to the legal support they are entitled to under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT) framework. This international treaty, ratified by the UK, sets out a comprehensive framework for countries to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.
- Centering survivor voices: we propose a duty to collaborate with survivors when drafting relevant legislation. This would ensure survivor experiences directly inform policy decisions.
- Increase prosecutions: we call for more specialist police teams, investment in victim navigators – specialised professionals who support victims of modern slavery throughout the criminal justice process – and collaboration with law enforcement to significantly increase prosecutions of perpetrators. However, prosecutions should never come at the expense of survivor wellbeing, and survivors should not be pressured to assist investigations against their will.
Modern slavery thrives in the shadows, exploiting the vulnerable and denying them their fundamental human rights. By implementing these recommendations, the UK can take a significant step towards a more robust and person-centered approach to tackling this global issue.
The manifesto is supported by fellow NGOs Ashiana, Bawso, BCHA, Black Country Women’s Aid, Causeway, Hestia, Medaille Trust, Migrant Help, The Salvation Army, The Snowdrop Project, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, Palm Cove Society.
Read the full manifesto to learn more about these critical recommendations.
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