In October 2013 the Home Secretary Theresa May announced her intention to introduce a Modern Slavery Bill. Frank Field MP was asked to lead a series of evidence sessions to gather evidence on measures to be included in the Bill to which FLEX submitted written (FLEX Modern Slavery Bill Written Evidence) and oral evidence. FLEX’s key recommendations for the Bill are:

• Definitions must reflect international legal definitions
• The Bill should be victim-centred, including minimum standards for support and assistance, and compensation and non-punishment provisions
• The Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority (GLA) should be extended to high-risk sectors: cleaning, care, construction and hospitality.
• An independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner should be established, with powers to visit and monitor work sites; initiate inquiries; and to make recommendations.