Progress in cutting backlog of decisions for modern slavery victims

Data released this week by the Home Office shows a reduction by almost 40 per cent since last year in the backlog of decisions in conclusive grounds cases for people in the National Referral Mechanism, which is the government’s system for identifying and protecting potential victims of modern slavery. A positive conclusive grounds decision means that someone is confirmed as a victim of modern slavery and is an important step forward in their recovery whilst receiving support which The Salvation Army delivers on behalf of the government to adult survivors in England and Wales.

Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army said:

“We are greatly encouraged by the news that the Home Office has made good progress in reducing the time survivors of modern slavery in our services must wait for a conclusive grounds decision. These decisions come after thorough review of each person’s case by the Government and are a crucial step in enabling survivors to move forward towards independence with greater certainty.  

"The people we support tell us that living in limbo can cause unnecessary additional stress in their lives when they have already endured profound suffering at the hands of their exploiters. Survivors and their support workers will join us in welcoming this news.”