The UK government has announced new measures to better support victims of modern slavery, pledging to eliminate the backlog of unresolved cases within two years.
The commitment was outlined in a late Friday release from the Home Office titled “Modern Slavery Victims to Be Supported in Fresh Measures” and comes in response to long-standing delays that have left many survivors in limbo.
Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips unveiled the reforms on Thursday during an event marking Anti-Slavery Week.
Speaking to a gathering of charity representatives and law enforcement officials, Phillips underscored her determination to overhaul the system and boost prosecutions against traffickers.
“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,” Phillips said.
“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.”
One of the key components of the plan is the recruitment of 200 additional Home Office staff, expected to be in post by early 2025, to process the large volume of cases.
This measure aims to shorten the current wait times for conclusive grounds decisions through the national referral mechanism, which many have criticised for creating prolonged uncertainty and contributing to mental health issues among survivors.
Major Kathy Betteridge, Director for Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, echoed the significance of the reforms, stating:
“Far too often, we see individuals in our support services whose recovery is delayed because they feel trapped in limbo, unable to move forward with their lives while awaiting decisions on their cases.”
Phillips’s commitment to supporting survivors aligns with broader government efforts to tackle modern slavery.
She emphasised that while the new measures mark progress, there is still “much more to do.”
“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,” Phillips added.
Betteridge expressed optimism about the changes, noting, “This is an encouraging sign that the new government recognises the needs of survivors and is actively listening to them and those who support them.”
The reforms are expected to speed up the decision-making process for thousands of vulnerable people, offering them the chance to rebuild their lives.
As Phillips concluded, “Supporting victims of modern slavery is one of my top priorities.”
