We applaud Sir Mo Farah for his courage in sharing his experience of being a survivor of child trafficking and shining a much-needed light on this vital issue. Tragically this experience highlights the harm caused to tens of thousands of men, women and children in the UK who are exploited and subjected to human trafficking or slavery and the nature of child abuse and these serious crimes.

In an important development for survivors, the Secretary of State for Justice has confirmed that he will develop guidance on victims and potential victims of modern slavery for prison staff.

This guidance is the result of the settlement of a judicial review claim brought by ATLEU on behalf of all victims and potential victims of modern slavery in prisons.

A new joint briefing by ATLEU, ECPAT UK, FLEX, Helen Bamber Foundation, and Hope for Justice outlines our concerns about the draft Slavery and Human Trafficking (Definition of Victim) Regulations 2022 which:

• Are highly complex and do not align with international law

• Do not distinguish between adult and child victims

• Leave victims at risk of further exploitation and re-trafficking.

Survivors of trafficking and modern slavery should not have to be means tested to qualify for legal aid, states a coalition of trafficking and legal experts.

New Immigration Regulations, that force UK migrants to prove their immigration status digitally for the right to work and rent, will be very damaging for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.

We are delighted to launch our new policy unit that seeks to centre the experiences of survivors in our influencing work.

ATLEU has contributed to two changes to the law, making a huge difference to the lives of domestic workers in the UK. Both the revocation of the family worker exemption and the limitation on embassies invoking state immunity in employment matters were as a direct result of cases brought by ATLEU on behalf of individuals who had suffered labour exploitation.

We do not agree that a Bill of Rights should replace the Human Rights Act and do not support any of the proposals set out in the government’s consultation document.

If Clause 62 of the Nationality and Borders Bill is allowed to pass in its current form it will have devastating consequences for those who have been subjected to and survived modern slavery. It will also further undermine the UK’s efforts to identify and prosecute the criminals who perpetrate this appalling crime. For a government that genuinely wishes to tackle this crime “it does not make any sense at all” (Lord Dubs).

Your MP will soon be asked to vote on the Nationality and Borders Bill and we need you to write to them asking them to support our amendments. Many of the issues faced by survivors of trafficking are little understood. To encourage the government to change its mind we need you to engage with your MP so they know this is a priority.

ATLEU launched their new bespoke training programme, ATLAW this week. The programme is designed specifically for immigration and public law advisers who work under a legal aid contract and are committed to assisting survivors of trafficking and slavery.

After years of litigation and research, ATLEU and partners have made the case for the family worker exemption to be removed. This has led to the important recommendation from the Low Pay Commission today that it is not fit for purpose.