The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner publishes new paper on preparing modern slavery victims for work

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) has launched a new paper examining programmes available to support survivors of modern slavery to prepare for work. This follows the IASC and Rights Lab report, The benefits and barriers to accessing employment: considerations for survivors of modern slavery, and focuses on the earlier report’s recommendation for a standardised suite of modules to be developed to form an accredited work preparation curriculum for every survivor in the National Referral Mechanism under the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC).

This paper was authored by Helena Yeaman, Social Impact Manager, Modern Slavery at Ashurst who joined the IASC office on secondment to conduct this research. The paper finds that while there is evidence of good practice led by some service providers and civil society organisations, there is no uniform approach to training provision.

The report recommends that the MSVCC should take a more consistent approach in how victims and survivors in the NRM are supported to access work and training opportunities, as part of every survivor’s recovery plan.

Read: IASC paper: PREPARING FOR WORK

Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, commented:

“Previous research published by my office outlined the positive role that employment and education can play in the recovery of survivors of modern slavery, and offered practical recommendations to address barriers in accessing employment.

“This paper examines the provision of programmes which support survivors into work, and the opportunities to expand current good practice and take a more consistent approach. I commend this report by Helena Yeaman and encourage policymakers and practitioners to implement the findings.”

ENDS