Your Rights as a Victim of Modern Slavery
If you have been held in slavery, servitude, forced labour, or trafficked, you have important rights under UK law. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 provides protections including a defence against prosecution, access to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), and support services. You are a victim regardless of your immigration status.
Last updated: 2026-03-09
Your Rights
Right to be identified and supported
You have the right to be referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for formal identification as a victim. If recognised, you receive Government-funded support including safe accommodation, financial support, and counselling.
Defence against prosecution
If you committed criminal offences as a direct result of being a victim of slavery or trafficking, you have a statutory defence under s.45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This applies to most offences (with limited exceptions).
Right to legal aid
Victims of trafficking are entitled to legal aid for immigration advice and representation, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Right to compensation
You may be entitled to compensation through: the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, a compensation order made by the court against your trafficker, or a civil claim for damages.
Right to recovery and reflection
Once referred to the NRM with a positive 'reasonable grounds' decision, you receive a minimum 30-day recovery and reflection period during which you cannot be removed from the UK.
Common Myths
Modern slavery only happens in other countries
Modern slavery exists throughout the UK — in car washes, nail bars, farms, construction sites, domestic settings, and online.
If you entered the UK illegally, you cannot get help
Your immigration status does not matter. Victims of trafficking are entitled to support regardless of how they entered the UK.
You will be deported if you report your traffickers
Identified victims receive a recovery period and cannot be removed during NRM consideration. Many victims receive discretionary leave to remain.
What To Do
Get to safety
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If safe to do so, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
Seek a referral to the NRM
Contact the police, a local authority, or a first responder organisation to be referred to the NRM.
Get legal advice
Request a specialist immigration solicitor through legal aid. The Salvation Army's support service can help arrange this.
Access support services
The Salvation Army (as Government contractor) provides accommodation, financial support, counselling, and practical assistance to NRM-referred victims.
Key Legislation
- Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Human Rights Act 1998 (Article 4)
- Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking
- EU Anti-Trafficking Directive