National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for Modern Slavery
How victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in England & Wales are identified and supported through the NRM.
Overview
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. If you are or may be a victim, you can be referred to the NRM by a 'first responder' organisation (police, local authority, Home Office, or specified NGOs). The NRM provides a recovery and reflection period, access to safe accommodation, and a formal decision on whether you are a victim of modern slavery.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are or may be a victim of slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking
- You are in the United Kingdom (adults must consent to referral; children are referred automatically)
Step-by-Step Process
Contact a first responder organisation
Speak to the police, a local authority, the Home Office, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, or specified charities (Salvation Army, Unseen, etc.) about your situation. If they suspect you may be a victim, they will refer you to the NRM with your consent (adults must consent; children are referred automatically).
- You do not need to be in the UK legally to be referred
- The Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
Reasonable grounds decision
The Single Competent Authority (SCA) within the Home Office makes a 'reasonable grounds' decision — whether there are reasonable grounds to believe you are a victim. This should be made within 5 working days. If positive, you enter a recovery and reflection period.
- A positive reasonable grounds decision gives you access to support and accommodation
- You cannot be removed from the UK during this period
Recovery and reflection period
During this period (minimum 30 days, typically longer), you receive Government-funded support: safe accommodation, financial support, counselling, legal advice, and other assistance through the Victim Care Contract (currently operated by the Salvation Army).
- Use this time to recover and consider your options
- You can access free legal advice about your immigration status and options
Conclusive grounds decision
The SCA makes a 'conclusive grounds' decision — whether on the balance of probabilities you are a victim of modern slavery. If positive, you receive a further period of support (currently 12 months move-on support) and may be eligible for discretionary leave to remain in the UK.
- A positive conclusive grounds decision supports any asylum claim
- You may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Costs
Important Warnings
Your safety is the priority. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Victims of modern slavery have a statutory defence against prosecution for criminal offences committed as a result of their exploitation (s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015).
You have the right to legal aid for immigration advice if you are a victim of trafficking.