Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government has plans to protect the right to work for victims of modern slavery identified in the UK?

There is no right to work in the UK based on a person being confirmed as a victim of modern slavery. A person’s immigration status will determine whether a person has the right to work in the UK.

Confirmed victims of modern slavery who do not qualify for leave to remain in another immigration route can be considered for a grant of Discretionary Leave to remain in the UK based on the particular circumstances of the individual case. This can include needing to stay in the UK in order to pursue a claim for compensation against their traffickers, the need to assist with police enquiries or due to personal circumstances. Those granted Discretionary Leave have recourse to public funds and permission to work.

Not all victims of modern slavery will wish to remain in the UK and so the Government is also committed to supporting those who wish to return home. The Home Office’s Voluntary Returns Service can assist victims of modern slavery to return home.

The Home Office has recently produced a leaflet to raise awareness about immigration options for victims of modern slavery which can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/help-for-adult-victims-of-modern-slavery