Wait times reduced for modern slavery survivors
published on 18 Oct 2024
On the day that the Home Office announced new measures to reduce the wait time for decisions on modern slavery cases, a group of women supported by The Salvation Army and our partner, the Medaille Trust, spent the afternoon in conversation with Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips.
In a private lounge at a Salvation Army building, Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army introduced the women and their support workers to the Minister. Jess Phillips then engaged informally with each group, listening as they shared personal experiences of exploitation and the difference that receiving life-changing support has made to them.
The women appreciated the opportunity to voice their thoughts on how things could be improved in the future to help protect and support other survivors of modern slavery. One survivor said: “I feel empowered and privileged with this chance to speak to Jess Phillips.”
The visit concluded on an uplifting note as the Minister and everyone present, took part in an ice-breaker activity, writing down something they felt positive about, which Jess Phillips read out to the group before departing.
We welcome today’s announcement as a positive step towards prioritising the needs of survivors of modern slavery. We have been calling for the government to address these agonising waits for some time.
In response to the Government’s pledge to eliminate the backlog of modern slavery case decisions in two years by hiring 200 new Home Office staff, Major Betteridge said:
“We welcome today’s announcement as a positive step towards prioritising the needs of survivors of modern slavery. We have been calling for the government to address these agonising waits for some time. Far too often, we see individuals in our support services whose recovery is delayed because they feel trapped in limbo, unable to move forward with their lives while awaiting decisions on their cases.
“This is an encouraging sign that the new government recognises the needs of survivors and is actively listening to them and those who support them.
“We look forward to working with the Minister on the many challenges that remain in restoring the UK’s position as a world leader in the protection and support of survivors of modern slavery.”
