THE details of modern-slavery legislation due to be brought forward in Jersey are being established as part of efforts to “strengthen protections against exploitation”.
Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles said that officers were working to identify gaps within the Island’s current legislative framework and establish “the shape and function of this new legislation”.
The previous government confirmed its intention to bring forward “dedicated modern-slavery legislation for Jersey” in February, following criticism from representatives of several charities regarding the Island’s existing protections.
Calls for a review and reform of the laws protecting workers gathered pace in the wake of a Royal Court sentencing of then-St Saviour Deputy Philip Ozouf for immigration offences relating to the illegal employment of Rwandan nationals.
At the time, the government stated that the proposed reforms would focus on “preventing exploitation, improving support and protection for victims, and ensuring the authorities have clear powers, safeguards and accountability to tackle modern slavery effectively”.
Providing an update in response to questions from the JEP, Senator Miles said: “I am aware this is an important issue; as a community we must do all we can to strengthen protections against exploitation.
“Work is currently underway to scope out the shape and function of this new legislation.”
The minister continued: “Officers are in the process of undertaking a detailed piece of work, mapping the relevant areas of Jersey legislation against the function of the UK Modern Slavery Act to identify the gaps in Jersey’s existing legislative framework.
“This will help us determine exactly what additional legislation is required.”
Senator Miles stressed that a number of offences already exist within Jersey legislation to address issues relating to modern slavery.
“Offences relating to sex trafficking already exist under the Sexual Offences Law (2018) and migrant workers are already subject to a number of protections under our existing employment and immigration legislation,” she added.
