We were deeply disappointed to see the Home Office reclassify modern slavery as an illegal immigration issue. This is a strange move, given the extent of the issue and those it affects. According to official statistics, a quarter of victims are from the UK, and 97% of referrals made in the first six months of this year were confirmed as genuine.
Victims of modern slavery deserve the full protection of the law and the chance to rebuild their lives. Successive governments have made great strides in tackling it, from setting up the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to laws requiring companies to eradicate slavery in their supply chains and publish modern slavery statements. Collaboration with the private sector and civil society is the most effective way to tackle this issue.
Criminalising victims undermines that progress, drives this crime further underground, sets back our national effort to end slavery and forced labour, and benefits no one. It is likely to harm the partnerships and business action that play an important role in tackling these abuses. Our new prime minister should reverse this retrograde move.
Mary Creagh
Chair, Ethical Trading Initiative
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