Credit: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Archive/PA Images

The government has implemented a digital system designed to speed up the process of helping victims of modern slavery.

The platform is designed to speed up the process by which front-line public sector workers – including police officers, social workers, and immigration enforcement staff – refer victims of modern slavery to Home Office officials. As of last week, a digital system is used to make these referrals to government’s centrally run “single competent authority” charged with handling victims’ cases and providing the necessary help.

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The government claimed that the new process is simpler and will “ensure those providing support for victims of modern slavery have all the information they need to provide good quality, tailored support”.

The casework system used by Home Office officials is also shortly to be digitised, the government said.

Minister for safeguarding and vulnerability Victoria Atkins said: “Modern slavery is a truly abhorrent crime and the government is committed to stamping it out wherever it occurs. These reforms will simplify the entire referral process, meaning that victims of modern slavery can receive the support they need sooner and abusers can be brought to justice more quickly.”