UK government clears modern slavery case backlog

The UK government has eliminated the backlog of modern slavery cases within the National Referral Mechanism. According to Home Office figures, the number of cases awaiting a conclusive grounds decision fell to 6,277 as of September 30, 2026, representing an 80% decrease from a peak of 31,101 in 2023.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Satvir Kaur, stated that the government has delivered on its promise to end unacceptable delays in a system described as being inherited in disarray. The Home Office noted that faster decisions support victim recovery and prevent individuals without a right to remain from disrupting removals.

Concurrently, The Salvation Army reported that thousands of survivors continue to access specialist support through the government’s victim care contract in England and Wales. In London, 2,636 people were supported last year, accounting for 51% of all referrals. The charity warned that criminals are increasingly using poverty and displacement to lure victims into forced labour, sexual exploitation, and criminal activities.