26 July 2024

Hestia welcomes the new Government’s commitment to crack down on perpetrators of smuggling and trafficking offences and to develop a Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. As a leading provider of support for survivors of modern slavery, we have observed that for too long, it has been the victims of these crimes, and not the perpetrators, who have been punished.  

However, we urge care and caution following the Home Secretary’s announcement on Sunday (21st July) of plans for a new Returns and Enforcement programme that will start with raids on employers who are facilitating illegal working in the UK – including car washes and the beauty sector. In Hestia’s experience, these are sectors which often exploit vulnerable adults. 

We have long asked that criminals responsible for the brutal crime of modern slavery be held to account. However some of those identified in raids will almost certainly be victims of trafficking and modern slavery, who have been tricked and coerced into coming to the UK, and most will have endured traumatic journeys to get here.  We encourage the government to refer any potential victim identified to the National Referral Mechanism where they can be supported to recover and heal. 

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia, said: 

“The move to be tough on organised criminals who exploit others for their own financial gain is vital if we want to break the cycle of modern slavery and support survivors. Victims have experienced brutal physical and psychological trauma at the hands of their exploiters. Treating them with respect and dignity is key to ensuring they feel safe to share their experience and support police prosecutions. Together with 12 other organisations supporting survivors of modern slavery, Hestia is calling on the government to re-new the UK's approach to supporting victims while at the same time prosecuting gangs and criminals in our manifesto for change.”