The
drive behind the Government’s programme to tackle modern slavery has never been
greater. However, there remain huge gaps in this programme which leave many
victims vulnerable, destitute and homeless.
In
mobilising support for Lord McColl’s Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill), the Free for Good campaign holds out the potential to bridge those gaps. The Bill gives all
victims of modern slavery a year’s leave to remain in the UK, so that they can
begin to rebuild their lives. It also guarantees them basic support such as
housing, health care and education.
The
Bill highlights the importance of long term support for victims, who currently
only have two weeks to leave Government help once they have received a
‘positive’ decision confirming their status as victims, with many being ejected
from safe houses with nowhere to go. Most victims must therefore rely on
charities in order to keep afloat.
This
limited support is even more worrying in the light of the near total lack of
data on outcomes for confirmed victims of modern slavery. The Government does
not hold information on the accommodation status of victims, whether they have
a right to work in the UK, or even whether they have been deported to country where they have no friends or family.
Lord McColl’s Bill and a better understanding of outcomes for victims will
allow those who have suffered at the hands of this huge evil to rebuild their
lives. This important step towards putting victims first is much needed.
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