Modern Slavery Act Reforming The Referral System For Victims
Earlier articles mention the background and principles behind Modern Slavery legislation. In this article, we look at the proposed reform of the current UK referral system for suspected victims of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.
With marches across the world's biggest cities against modern slavery, and the publishing by the International Labour Organisation of figures stating that at any one time in 2016 an estimated 40.3 million people were subjected to modern slavery1,there are tremendous pressures on governments to ensure regulations are in place to protect those who are vulnerable.
In response to these pressures, as well as publishing its annual report on modern slavery, the Home Office has announced a fundamental overhaul of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
National Referral Mechanism - What is it?
The NRM is a system enabling victims of modern slavery to be identified and supported.
Certain public authorities, including local authorities, councils, police and the National Crime Agency, are under a duty to notify the Home Office where they suspect a person is the victim of slavery or human trafficking. Employees who suspect modern slavery may be happening in their business or within their businesses supply chain, are also encouraged to make a referral.
A person does not have to be certain that someone is a victim of modern slavery, they just have to suspect it. Guidance for front line workers on how to decide can be found here.
There are two different routes to referral:
NRM form - this should be used either if the victim is an adult and that person consents to the provision of their personal details and would like to receive Government funded specialist support, or for a child victim (where consent is not needed). For informed consent to be given, the potential victim must have the role of the NRM, the referral process, and potential outcomes, clearly explained to them. If they agree, they should sign the form as well as the person referring them. MS1 form - this should be used if the potential victim is an adult but wants to remain anonymous and does not want specialist support (or if the person making the referral has been unable to contact the potential victim and/or do not know their personal details). This is a slightly different system to the NRM and public funding is unavailable via this route. Businesses should keep a record of all referrals made.
Please note: There are different systems in Scotland...
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