‘Modern slavery’ cases soar with Albanians most likely to claim

MODERN slavery claims have soared to record levels amid allegations criminals and migrants are abusing the system.

There were 4,171 claims from April to June, up just over a third on a year earlier.

It was the first time quarterly figures had topped 4,000 cases and the highest figure since the scheme began in 2009.

Albanians made up the largest group, with 1,130 cases, and eight out of ten claims overall were lodged by men, according to Home Office figures published yesterday.

A modern slavery claim puts criminal investigations or a bid to deport a foreign national on hold. There is concern that drug lords, particularly county lines gangs, encourage their members to say on arrest that they have been exploited.

From April to June, 589 modern slavery claims were linked to county lines gangs, the most on record.

The Modern Slavery Act is also used by cross- Channel migrants and other irregular migrants to avoid removal from this country.

A Government source said last night: ‘These statistics show just how broken the system is and how it is being abused by people to thwart removal from the UK.’ The Mail on Sunday revealed that Albanians accounted for almost four in ten migrants crossing the Channel in boats over six weeks this summer.

People who lodge a claim must have their case scrutinised by Home Office officials. Claimants who appear genuine are entitled to at least 45 days of state support, including accommodation, a subsistence allowance and legal aid.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has launched a review to look at ways to stop abuse, but new laws are unlikely to be in place for 18 months or more. Of the 4,171 cases lodged in the most recent quarter, 39 per cent claimed they had been exploited as a child. Last month Sir Mo Farah revealed that he was trafficked when he was nine to work as a servant.

Iryna Pona, of the Children’s Society, said: ‘The record numbers of referrals show what huge problems modern slavery and exploitation are for all children.

‘We hope these figures reflect increased knowledge of child exploitation among professionals, and that the bravery of Sir Mo Farah in opening up about his ordeal will also help to raise awareness of exploitation. Too many of these children are criminalised, or unfairly treated as illegal immigrants, rather than recognised and supported as trafficking victims.’

‘Thwart removal from the UK’