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

Project Support Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Two exciting Project Support Officer – SEND opportunities have arisen within our Home to School Transport team. One role is permanent and the other a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 12.5 hours per week, whole time Permanent Required as soon as possible The children, staff, and governors of Chester Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101 - £45,352
Class Teacher  M3-M6 £37,101 - £45,352 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required to cover maternity leave from Monday 5th January 2026 until the date Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1  £24,796 pro rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required as soon as possible  The Governors of St Oswald Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 part-time pro-rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1 £24,796 part-time pro-rata 6.25 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required from Monday 10th November (or as close Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner