MINISTERS have committed to bringing forward dedicated modern-slavery legislation to prevent exploitation after several charities criticised the Island’s existing protections in light of a politician’s Royal Court sentencing for immigration offences.
Last week, St Saviour Deputy Philip Ozouf was sentenced to 120 hours of community service after admitting five counts relating to employment of Rwandan workers at his laundry business and home. His co-accused, Savoy Hotel director Roberto Lora, received a £5,000 fine after admitting one count.
The case prompted calls for a review and reform of the laws protecting workers.
Now, ministers have said that a consultation will be carried out which will include liaising with employers, charities and workers to develop the legislation.
The proposed reforms will focus on preventing exploitation, improving support and protection for victims and strengthening the powers for authorities to tackle modern slavery effectively.
No timeline or further detail has been provided at this stage but Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat has said the updated laws will provide “clear, practical protection against exploitation for everyone in our community”.
She said: “Cases in Jersey may be rare, but even one case of exploitation is one too many. This legislation will give enforcement agencies clearer powers and stronger protection for people at risk. By listening to frontline services, employers and those with lived experience, we will design a modern legal framework that reflects best practice.”
In court, Crown Advocate William Redgrave said that Ozouf “portrayed himself as a philanthropist, helping people from a poor African country to come and get work” while exploiting a “commercial advantage for him: Rwandans were content to work for lower wages than local people”.
The court was also told that Ozouf had attempted to use his political position to circumvent the Island’s work permit regulations.
“As a lawmaker, you were aware of the controls and the need for them, but when they did not suit your purpose, you chose to avoid them,” said Commissioner Alan Binnington in passing sentence.
Speaking after the sentencing, a collective of charities made up of Friends of Africa Jersey, Kenyans in Jersey Committee, Caritas Jersey, the Jersey Community Relations Trust, Liberate Jersey and Jersey Salvation Army called for an urgent review of the law.
Lesley Katsande-Gwatidzo, of Friends of Africa Jersey, said that the organisation had encountered cases involving human rights, housing and employment breaches.
Deputy Le Hegarat added: “If anyone were held in conditions amounting to modern slavery, it is very likely that alternative charges could be made under existing laws, potentially related to the unlawful detention of a person, or their treatment under employment law, and any reports of that nature would be very thoroughly investigated.
“It is important to stress that legislation is not the only work we can do on this. My team is ensuring policies in this area are fit for purpose and has been working with other departments and organsations to ensure that permit holders who suffer domestic abuse can get support.
“As the Chief Minister has stated previously, the International Cultural Centre has been relaunched and is now operating as a public-facing service where people can get help and advice on any issues they may have.”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said: “Jersey must always protect the most vulnerable people in our community. Bringing in modern-slavery legislation will strengthen our laws, help stop exploitation and make sure victims get the help and support they need.”
