Laura Sharman 01 August 2016

Labour warns councils lack resources to eradicate modern slavery

The government’s plans to defeat modern slavery will only work if local authorities are given the financial resources to help tackle and prevent abuse, Labour has warned.

Prime minister Theresa May has announced she will set up the first ever government task force on modern slavery, following an independent review of the Modern Slavery Act.

Since the Act came into force a year ago, there has been a 40% increase in the number of victims identified and 289 modern slavery offences prosecuted in 2015.

However, the review found improvements are still needed in raising awareness of the crimes, improving training for those in the criminal justice system and strengthening support for victims.

In an article for a national newspaper, Ms May wrote: ‘This is the great human rights issue of our time, and as prime minister I am determined that we will make it a national and international mission to rid our world of this barbaric evil.’

However, shadow minister for preventing abuse, Sarah Champion, said professionals need more resources if they are to stamp out modern slavery.

She said: ‘The new prime minister should be ashamed that she hasn’t acted on the protection for children in the Modern Slavery Act. Last year, 982 children were identified as victims of modern slavery and taken into local authority care. Within days, 60% of those children went missing, presumed to be back with their traffickers, where they would continue to be exploited and abused. This is simply not good enough.

‘Modern slavery is on the increase but under Theresa May’s watch, the Police and Border Force have been cut and her Government cut local authorities by over 40%. If Theresa May is serious about tackling slavery, she needs to give professionals the resources to stamp it out.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner