New data obtained by After Exploitation reveals that 1 in 5 (19%) potential slavery victims identified by UK authorities are not referred into the framework designed to provide them with legal assistance, counselling and safe housing.
4,355 potential slavery victims were identified in a four-month period last year, but 1 in 5 (19%, n = 830) were not entered into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). In 2018, 1,551 (18%) potential victims were identified but not referred to the NRM ‘determination’ process for support.
The data reveals discrepancies amongst First Responder agencies, with some holding much lower rates of referral than others. In cases where an individual is recognised by front-line professionals as having trafficking indicators, but the potential survivor does not consent to receive NRM support, First Responders return a ‘Modern Slavery 1’ (MS1) form to the Home Office.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, registered 8 in 10 (81%) potential victims are as anonymous ‘MS1’ forms rather than NRM referrals. Meanwhile, only half of potential victims (45%) identified by UK Border Force staff are not referred to the NRM. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 potential trafficking victims are identified by police (27%) and UK Visas and Immigration (28%) without being referred to the NRM.
Local Authorities (9%), NGOs (4%), and Home Office Immigration Enforcement (2%) very rarely failed to refer potential survivors into the NRM during this period.
Being designated a First Responder does not necessarily correspond with either specific training or funding for the role. In spite of the Government’s 2017 promise to that pre-NRM ‘Places of Safety’ would be introduced, there is currently no funding allocated for pre-NRM support at the point of referral.
Only potential victims over the age of 18 have to consent before being entered into the NRM, so the percentage of adult potential slavery survivors who have not been referred is likely much higher. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the only framework through which human trafficking victims can access safe housing, counselling, legal advice and some modest financial assistance. Experts commenting on the data emphasise that this support can be the difference between a life-changing intervention or slipping through the net.
Director of After Exploitation, Maya Esslemont, said:
“These figures show just how many trafficking victims may slip through the net, even when there are opportunities for front-line professionals to intervene. In cases where referrals do not take place, potential victims are vulnerable to continued abuse and may not be able to access to justice, support, or official recognition of their experiences.
Although some victims may knowingly reject support, they are currently being asked to make this vital decision without guaranteed access to legal or medical support, or without time to recover. More must be done to ensure that victims are given consistent, reliable, information on their entitlements before being asked to make a decision. In cases where victims face language barriers, translators must be used – without exception – by agencies coming into contact with potential survivors.
This data shows just how much work needs to be done to address the referral lottery facing survivors.”
Joanna Ewart-James, Executive Director of Freedom United, said:
“Whilst we can’t, and indeed shouldn’t second guess why so many potential victims are not getting support, the discrepancy in reporting between authorities After Exploitation has uncovered raises serious questions on whether victims are getting the help they need.”
Tamara Barnett, Director of Operations at the Human Trafficking Foundation, said:
“There are many reasons someone might not choose to be referred into the NRM and worryingly this can include fears of their case going to the Home Office, or where they have heard stories of people with bad experiences of the support available in the NRM.
People need space to make an informed decision about their future based on an understanding of their rights and options. A referral into the NRM can be a life-changing decision, which does not guarantee long-term stability. A safe place to recover with support to consider options is crucial in allowing people to make the decision that is right for them, which might include a referral to the NRM. Ultimately, support should not be dependent on someone’s willingness to cooperate with the Home Office, but instead on what that individual needs to recover and move forward with their lives.“
Kate Roberts, UK & Europe Manager, Anti-Slavery International said:
“Securing informed consent for a referral into the NRM takes skill, training and resources. People who have recently left exploitation may not self-identify, are likely to be traumatised and unfamiliar with the language around trafficking.
Places of Safety are crucial. Without time to rest, feel safe and understand what information is needed of them or how it will be used, it is unlikely survivors will feel able or ready to disclose details of their exploitation. Where exploited people feel less able to consent to a referral, and a referral is submitted without crucial information, this may increase the likelihood of an inaccurate negative decision in first decision-making stage within the NRM.
As well as training and resourcing of the First Responder role, it is vital that pre-NRM support is introduced. This should mean early access to specialist legal advice and translation as well as safe accommodation.”
Potential trafficking victims in contact
with UK authorities (Jun-Sep 2019)
| Referrer | Total MS1 | Total NRM | Total contacts with authorities (MS1 and NRM) |
| NHS* | 4 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 4 |
| Other* | 1 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 1 |
| Department of Work and Pensions* | 1 (100%) | 0 (0%) | 1 |
| Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority | 17 (81%) | 4 (19%) | 21 |
| UK Border Force | 60 (45%) | 71 (55%) | 131 |
| UK Visas and Immigration | 297 (28%) | 777 (72%) | 1074 |
| Police | 339 (27%) | 921 (73%) | 1260 |
| Local Authority | 85 (9%) | 810 (91%) | 895 |
| Non-Government Organisations** | 12 (4%) | 326 (96%) | 338 |
| Home Office Immigration Enforcement | 14 (2%) | 612 (98%) | 626 |
| National Crime Agency | 0 (0%) | 4 (100%) | 4 |
*Although the NHS (n=4), DWP (n=1), and ‘other’ unlisted agencies (n=1) logged 100% of cases as duties to notify or MS1 forms, their overall rate of identification may be statistically insignificant due to low case volume.
** Some authorities have a statutory duty to notify, such as the police, Home Office and local authorities, whereas others provide MS1 notifications on a voluntary basis such as the NHS and NGOs
Download the dataset below
After Exploitation 
One reply on “After Exploitation data shows 1 in 5 potential slavery victims “identified but not referred for support””
[…] victims identified by UK authorities were then referred into the NRM, according to a recent Freedom of Information request by After Exploitation. It also found that some first responders had “much lower rates of […]
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