Statement: Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE

UK AUTHORITIES must “raise their game” in the fight against criminals perpetrating modern slavery, the head of an anti-slavery charity has said.

Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, which led work to establish anti-trafficking legislation in Northern Ireland, expressed concern about “gaps” in the response to combating the vile industry.

CARE is calling for significant investment in support services for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, who are at risk of being re-exploited or deported.

100,000 UK Victims

A joint report by the Centre for Social Justice and charity Justice and Care published this week suggests there are more than 100,000 modern slavery victims in the UK.

Exploitation can include backbreaking work in fields and on building sites, domestic servitude, and being forced into prostitution and drug dealing.

The report makes 24 recommendations to the Home Secretary, with the CSJ warning victims are being “lost before they even enter the support system” and “passed from pillar to post receiving varying qualities of care”.

In an article published this morning, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dame Sara Thornton also called for far greater work to curb exploitation.

Long-term support

CARE CEO Ross Hendry commented:

“The idea that more than 100,000 people in our country are being exploited through modern slavery is as alarming as it is tragic.

“The worst thing about this industry is it takes place under the noses of authorities and members of the public up and down the country. It is a hard crime to spot, and exploitation can therefore go undetected for many years, compounding harm to individuals.

“Much good work is being done to curb modern slavery, but it is clear there are gaps in our opposition to this awful industry. The authorities must raise their game, take back serious ground from exploiters, and provide much better support to victims.

“We urge Ministers to take account of the CSJ’s recommendations and, in particular, ensure that proper, wide-ranging, and long-lasting support is available to confirmed victims. People must be freed, protected, and enabled to rebuild their lives.

“We also ask MPs to ensure that support for victims is not diminished by provisions in the Nationality and Borders Bill, as we have warned previously. We believe the right to long-term support should be on the face of this legislation. And we ask that confirmed victims with irregular immigration status are given leave to remain in order to access support."

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

CARE is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives.

For interview requests or more information please contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk