Move to modern slavery laws in Jersey is welcomed

The Salvation Army welcomes the Government of Jersey’s decision last month to bring forward dedicated modern slavery legislation to strengthen protections for workers and prevent exploitation. 

This is an important and positive step. It builds on recent progress to strengthen legislative protections for victims of violence against women and girls and presents a strong opportunity to learn from other countries where modern slavery legislation has been in place for more than a decade. With this experience to draw on, Jersey has the potential to develop world-leading legislation.

Combating modern slavery and human trafficking is a global priority for The Salvation Army across the 134 countries in which we serve. Our programmes raise awareness and build resilience in communities at risk of exploitation, while also supporting survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. Through our work delivering the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract in England and Wales alone, The Salvation Army and our partners have supported nearly 27,000 survivors since 2011. This includes providing access to safe accommodation, legal, financial, medical and emotional support to help people move forward with their lives. We see first-hand the profound harm caused by exploitation, and how, with the right support, recovery and hope for a brighter future are possible.

Salvation Army teams based in Jersey in the Channel Islands have provided compassionate support to victims of exploitation, including those connected to the recent Philip Ozouf case. They have also supported the Government’s recent initiatives to strengthen protections for victims of violence against women and girls, while working alongside other charities and faith groups continuing to raise awareness of the need for robust modern slavery legislation.

With our long-standing presence on the island and active service in the community, our experience supporting survivors both locally and internationally, and our wider work to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, The Salvation Army welcomes the opportunity to work with the Government of Jersey to ensure this legislation is effective and places victims and survivors firmly at its heart.