Slaves on our Streets: How the National Referral Mechanism works to prevent modern slavery
Government’s system seeks to formally identify victims of modern slavery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Since 2009, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) has been the Government’s system for formally identifying victims of modern slavery. Its definition includes human trafficking, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
To be assessed, the potential victim has to consent to be referred by an anti-slavery NGO like the Salvation Army, police, or government agencies such as UK Visas and Immigration or a local authority.
The Home Office and a special unit called the UK Human Trafficking Centre receive the referrals and must decide – based on a range of evidence – whether to class that person a victim of slavery. They aim to do that within 45 days.
Why would somebody want to be formally identified in this way?
During the process, the victim can access legal and financial assistance as well as psychological support and safety measures, such as being placed in a safe house.
If they are found to be a victim of trafficking or slavery, the Home Office can grant leave to remain in the country for a discretionary 12 months or longer.
Not all cases of exploitation meet the definition, however. The NRM has also come in for criticism for not doing enough for the victims of modern slavery, whose immigration statuses often hang in the balance, and for being difficult to understand and use.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments