UK must do better on support for modern slavery victims

The latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report from the US State Department has criticised the UK Government over measures that will 'hinder victim identification and protection efforts' for survivors of modern slavery.

The report classifies all countries on their work to prevent human trafficking and in addition to the comments above, it also heavily criticised the UK's 'inadequate' long-term care and reintegration support for victims.

While the report praised the fact more traffickers are being prosecuted and convicted compared with the last report, the long-waiting times for possible victims to enter the UK's National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and begin receiving support was highlighted.

During the passage of the UK Government's Nationality and Borders Bill, CARE argued that changes were needed to ensure survivors were placed at the heart of all of the UK's anti-slavery efforts.

For the first time earlier this year, the government said it would produce guidance on giving some confirmed victims long-term support for 12 months, but this still falls short of guaranteeing all confirmed victims the support they need.

CARE was able to work with Northern Ireland politicians before the last Assembly election to ensure at least 12 months support for victims in Northern Ireland.