Earlier this year, the Home Office announced its plan to launch an independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Led by Frank Field MP, Baroness Butler-Sloss and Maria Miller MP, the independent review aims to strengthen the UK’s ongoing response and accelerate progress from the government and businesses in eradicating modern slavery.

This review coincides with a new report published by the Home Office which estimates the cost of modern slavery as up to £4.3 billion a year (or £330,000 per instance).

The process has two stages: the first stage, completed in November 2018, covered transparency in supply chains and the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The second will consider the legal application of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and child victims of modern slavery. Evidence-gathering on the second phase is expected to be completed by mid-December 2018. The Home Office will produce a final report by the end of March 2019.

Please see here for the full press release.